Once on the verge of extinction, the Mediterranean monk seal population is recovering, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. These rare marine mammals – distinguished by their large eyes, whiskers, and agility in water – are the only seal species native to the Mediterranean. About half of the estimated 800 individuals live in Greek waters, where sea caves provide natural shelters for breeding and raising pups.
Decades of habitat loss and conflict with fishermen, who saw the seals as nuisances for damaging nets and stealing fish, led to a severe population decline. As a result, the species was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Protecting monk seals requires not only safeguarding the species but also the broader marine ecosystem they depend on. MOm (The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal), a specialized rehabilitation centre based in Greece, leads these efforts. They have cared for dozens of seals, responding to reports of animals in distress, providing medical treatment, and supporting their gradual reintroduction into the wild. Seals are monitored with only minimal human interaction during rehabilitation to ensure successful adaptation upon release. Once healthy and equipped with essential survival skills, they are tagged for tracking and returned to their natural environment.
These conservation efforts have shown measurable success. In recent years, the species‘ status on the IUCN Red List improved from critically endangered to endangered, and as of 2023, further advanced to vulnerable. While still at risk, this change reflects significant progress in reversing a long-standing decline. It also highlights the importance of sustained protection, collaboration, and public awareness in preserving the world’s rarest animals.