New monitoring confirms regular breeding of the Mediterranean monk seal in Northern Cyprus

The Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is one of the most threatened marine mammals. Across Cyprus, suitable habitat and presence of monk seals is well documented and, recently, camera-trap surveys in Southern Cyprus found there to be pupping. We present results of the first camera...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Oryx 2021-07, Vol.55 (4), p.522-525
Main Authors: Beton, Damla, Broderick, Annette C., Godley, Brendan J., Kolaç, Emre, Ok, Meltem, Snape, Robin T. E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic mammals
Beaches
Breeding
Bycatch
Cameras
Caves
Coastal development
Coastal fisheries
Coastal zone management
Endangered species
Fisheries
Fishery development
Marine and coastal conservation
Marine mammals
Monachus monachus
Polls & surveys
Seals
Seasons
Short Communication
Surveillance
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Summary:The Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is one of the most threatened marine mammals. Across Cyprus, suitable habitat and presence of monk seals is well documented and, recently, camera-trap surveys in Southern Cyprus found there to be pupping. We present results of the first camera-trap surveys in Northern Cyprus spanning the pupping period. Four adult/subadults and three pups were identified in three of eight caves monitored with camera traps. One site on the north-west of the island supported at least three adult/subadult seals and pupping occurred there in 3 consecutive years. The breeding and resting sites identified require urgent conservation to manage threats of disturbance, coastal development and fisheries bycatch. To determine the size of this population, a long-term survey with greater and more continuous coverage is required.
ISSN:0030-6053
1365-3008
DOI:10.1017/S0030605320000848