Study on aspects of biology and behaviour of the Mediterranean monk seal needed for the conservation of the species

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Lead researcher: Àlex Aguilar (University of Barcelona).

Description:With fewer than 500 surviving examples, the monk seal or the Mediterranean monk seal (Monanchus monanchus) is one of the most endangered species on the planet. Despite the enormous efforts made during the last four decades for their protection in situ, it has not been possible to reverse the trend towards reduction of their numbers and today most populations are so reduced that their viability is unlikely. For this reason there have been several initiatives to implement activities ex situ, and, in a very specific way, to reintroduce the species to environments where formerly it was present and where today there are protection measures. This initiative has the explicit support of the IUCN, which at its last meeting held in Barcelona in October 2008 passed a resolution in this regard. The Balearic Government has also expressed interest in exploring the possibilities of a reintroduction of the species in the archipelago.

However, a reintroduction programme must comply with conditions that are impossible at this point to guarantee, because there is little knowledge available about the biology and behaviour of the species. This proposal is intended to cover precisely these knowledge gaps, providing the necessary elements to ensure a successful reintroduction of the species in its habitat. In particular it is intended to investigate three aspects which are essential for reintroduction: determining the settling area of individuals, establishing their diet and developing indices to measure the nutritional condition of the individuals reintroduced.

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