Monk seal population still at risk

A look at the progress made as the seals recover from a disastrous mortality event in 1997

In 1998 I sat on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean monk seal breeding caves in Africa. Looking through the ID book (drawings of animals seen regularly) with one of the researchers who had been there before the die-off in 1997, page after page the same comment, muerto-dead. Two thirds of the known local adult population of this critically endangered species had died within a few months. The colony had come perilously close to extinction.

Watching from the cliffs we could see the animals swimming in and out of the caves, often watching the watchers. The species is noted to be shy. That is, no doubt, due to years of persecution. First they were hunted for fur and food. Then they were killed in large numbers because they were competition for food and caused damage to fishing gear. But their normal curiosity is not dimmed. Team members must climb partway down the cliffs to look into the caves and count animals. As I stood lookout for the climber, she noted only one seal in the cave. Motioning to look behind her, I pointed out 8 animals gathered at the entrance. Once she was back up on the cliff they proceeded to enter their home. Later, we watched them body surf the waves, diving underwater just when it looked like they would smash into the rocks. For me the thought of losing these creatures forever is unacceptable.

From 1993-1996 44-58 pups were born each year. In 1998, the year after the die-off, only 24 pups were born. In 2006, 46 pups were born by mid-November. Nearly 10 years later reproductive rates have just recovered. Numbers of animals seen in the caves is also increasing to pre die-off level with 89 animals observed in one cave during a recent survey.

So there is hope but the survival of the Cabo Blanco population still hinges on a few more years of continued growth with no disease outbreaks or natural disasters. And the continued vigilance by everyone involved in the Mediterranean monk seal recovery project. Read my article on what CBD-Habitat is doing to protect these ancient sea mammals to learn more.