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GET TO KNOW THE MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL
Monachus monachus
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TYPE
The Mediterranean Monk Seal is a type of marine Mammal.
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GET TO KNOW SPIX'S MACAW
Cyanopsitta spixii
TYPE
The Mediterranean Monk Seal is a type of marine Mammal.
HOW TO SUPPORT
COLLECT STICKERS
Every campaign features a sticker that donates 100% of profits to conservation.
HOW TO SUPPORT
COLLECT STICKERS
Every campaign features a sticker that donates 100% of profits to conservation.
THE WORLD'S RAREST SEAL STILL SWIMS
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) lives in some of the most beautiful—but increasingly crowded—coastal waters on Earth. They’re found in three main areas: the eastern Mediterranean (especially Greece and Turkey), the northeastern Atlantic around Madeira, and a small population along the western coast of Africa near Mauritania. These elusive seals prefer remote sea caves with underwater entrances, far from the buzz of beaches and boats.
Where in the World?
Keri, Greece
Once widespread throughout the Mediterranean Sea, this species has been pushed to the brink by a perfect storm of human pressures.
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Habitat Loss: Coastal development, tourism, and boating have destroyed or disturbed many of the quiet caves monk seals need to rest and raise pups.
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Fishing Threats: Seals often become entangled in fishing nets, and competition with humans for dwindling fish stocks leaves them hungry.
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Climate Change: Rising sea levels and storm surges are flooding the caves they rely on.
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Human Conflict: In some cases, seals have been intentionally harmed due to perceived competition or curiosity around fishing gear.
Although their IUCN status improved from “Critically Endangered” to “Vulnerable,” their survival is still far from secure.
Threats to Their Survival
Fun Facts!
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Cave-dwelling introverts: Unlike most seals, M. monachus uses coastal sea caves—not beaches—to give birth and nap, which helps them stay hidden from predators and people.
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Deep-sea hunters: They’re capable of diving over 100 m and stay submerged for up to 15 minutes while hunting fish, octopus, and squid.
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Pup fashion statement: Newborns have dark, woolly fur with a distinct white belly patch (butterfly-shaped in males, rectangular in females); they molt into sleek adult coats after ~6 weeks.
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Long-lived loners: With lifespans up to 45 years (average 20–25), these solitary animals often avoid humans so well that locals can live nearby without ever spotting one.
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Rehabilitation success stories: Greece’s MOm rehab center rescued over 40 orphan pups like “Panagis,” and some have since been released and even tracked nursing their own pups.
Mauritania , West Africa
Research & Conservation Projects
Check out some of great articles and the incredible Conservation projects out there being done to help save the Mediterranean Monk Seals from extinction!
Madeira Islands, Portugal
THE WORLD'S RAREST SEAL STILL SWIMS
Where in the World?
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) lives in some of the most beautiful—but increasingly crowded—coastal waters on Earth. They’re found in three main areas: the eastern Mediterranean (especially Greece and Turkey), the northeastern Atlantic around Madeira, and a small population along the western coast of Africa near Mauritania. These elusive seals prefer remote sea caves with underwater entrances, far from the buzz of beaches and boats.
Keri, Greece
Madeira Islands, Portugal
Mauritania, West Africa
Keri, Greece
Once widespread throughout the Mediterranean Sea, this species has been pushed to the brink by a perfect storm of human pressures.
-
Habitat Loss: Coastal development, tourism, and boating have destroyed or disturbed many of the quiet caves monk seals need to rest and raise pups.
-
Fishing Threats: Seals often become entangled in fishing nets, and competition with humans for dwindling fish stocks leaves them hungry.
-
Climate Change: Rising sea levels and storm surges are flooding the caves they rely on.
-
Human Conflict: In some cases, seals have been intentionally harmed due to perceived competition or curiosity around fishing gear.
Although their IUCN status improved from “Critically Endangered” to “Vulnerable,” their survival is still far from secure.
Threats to Their Survival
Fun Facts!
-
Cave-dwelling introverts: Unlike most seals, M. monachus uses coastal sea caves—not beaches—to give birth and nap, which helps them stay hidden from predators and people.
-
Deep-sea hunters: They’re capable of diving over 100 m and stay submerged for up to 15 minutes while hunting fish, octopus, and squid.
-
Pup fashion statement: Newborns have dark, woolly fur with a distinct white belly patch (butterfly-shaped in males, rectangular in females); they molt into sleek adult coats after ~6 weeks.
-
Long-lived loners: With lifespans up to 45 years (average 20–25), these solitary animals often avoid humans so well that locals can live nearby without ever spotting one.
-
Rehabilitation success stories: Greece’s MOm rehab center rescued over 40 orphan pups like “Panagis,” and some have since been released and even tracked nursing their own pups.
Research & Conservation Projects
Check out some of the great articles and incredible Conservation projects out there being done to help save the Mediterranean Monk Seals from extinction!
CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT
About MOm – The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal
MOm is Greece’s leading organization dedicated to the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal. They conduct vital research, protect critical habitats, run rescue and rehabilitation programs for injured and orphaned seals, and lead community education efforts to raise awareness. Their work has been instrumental in stabilizing local seal populations and fostering coexistence between humans and these rare marine mammals. We are proud to support MOm’s mission and help ensure a safer future for the Mediterranean monk seal.
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CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT
About MOm – The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal
MOm is Greece’s leading organization dedicated to the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal. They conduct vital research, protect critical habitats, run rescue and rehabilitation programs for injured and orphaned seals, and lead community education efforts to raise awareness. Their work has been instrumental in stabilizing local seal populations and fostering coexistence between humans and these rare marine mammals. We are proud to support MOm’s mission and help ensure a safer future for the Mediterranean monk seal.
ART CHALLENGE SUBMISSIONS
ART CHALLENGE SUBMISSIONS
SAVE B4 EXTINCT PROGRAM + SPIX'S MACAW CONSERVATION
Collectible Conservation Sticker
Support animal conservation year-round with our exclusive collectible Conservation Stickers! Designed through our Save B4 Extinct program in collaboration with talented artists worldwide, each sticker features a donated illustration created to raise awareness for these endangered animals.
This sticker donates 100% of its profits directly to the MOm Hellenic Society support conservation efforts for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal. Your purchase helps protect key habitats, adapt conservation strategies and give these extraordinary inhabitants of the sea a future. Our Conservation Stickers are our way of extending support beyond our monthly campaigns, ensuring these seals have a chance to thrive.
Collect, share, and make a difference!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
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Join the movement and turn passion into protection!
Join the movement and turn creative passion into protection!
SAVE B4 EXTINCT PROGRAM + SPIX'S MACAW CONSERVATION
Collectible Conservation Sticker
Support animal conservation year-round with our exclusive collectible Conservation Stickers! Designed through our Save B4 Extinct program in collaboration with talented artists worldwide, each sticker features a donated illustration created to raise awareness for these endangered animals.
This sticker donates 100% of its profits directly to the MOm Hellenic Society support conservation efforts for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal. Your purchase helps protect key habitats, adapt conservation strategies and give these extraordinary inhabitants of the sea a future. Our Conservation Stickers are our way of extending support beyond our monthly campaigns, ensuring these seals have a chance to thrive.
Collect, share, and make a difference!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Text