Assessment of Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) habitat at La Galite, Tunisia: towards a monk seal conservation strategy in northern Tunisia and nearby waters

Abstract

The last thirty years have seen the rapid decline of the remaining nuclei of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) in the western Mediterranean Sea. Today, known nuclei are present along many portions of the Turkish and Greek coastlines where the population is estimated to range between 150-250 individuals (Reijnders 1998a). Areas of the western Mediterranean coastlines are believed to be almost devoid of seals, at least in terms of actively reproducing nuclei, but the hypothesis still persists that small scattered groups or individuals may survive despite the intense deliberate killings in this past century (Aguilar, 1998). The IUCN has estimated the total Mediterranean basin population to range around 300 individuals and prevailing views are that the conservation and recovery of small groups and even single individuals, is crucial if recovery action is to be taken towards this species (Reijnders, 1998b). The presence of small numbers of monk seals in the western portion of the Mediterranean is a reality that should be addressed and actions should be undertaken to establish the distribution range of the remaining individuals inhabiting this region, their eventual seasonal patterns of presence and displacement, and the consequent conservation measures necessary to guarantee their survival and their successful reproduction.