Mediterranean monk sea

MARINE MAMMALS IN THE RED BOOK OF BULGARIA:
Mediterranean monk sea
Conservation status: extinct

The Mediterranean monk sea is one of the most endangered mammals in the world and was last seen in Bulgaria in 1996. It has a strong spindle-shaped body, a small head and short flippers. Its body is covered with very short hairs of dark brown colour, often with a large white spot on the belly. It reaches up to 3 m in length and can weigh up to 400 kg. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat protects it from the cold. Because of its lumbering figure, locals called it the sea bear or sea calf.
It feeds mainly on fish and crustaceans. It forages for food close to shore. Dives are excellent, up to 70 m depth, lasting up to 6 min. The monk seal lives for over 20 years. It reaches maturity at 4 years of age.

Pregnancy lasts 11 months, gives birth in late summer and early autumn in sheltered places on the shore or in caves with an entrance - not infrequently underwater. The female gives birth to only one calf and nurses it for 3-4 months, after which it becomes independent.

There are many reasons leading to its extinction. In the past it was massively hunted for its skin, the large amount of blubber in its body and its meat.

In the 20th century, fishermen killed it because they thought it tore their nets full of fish to eat the catch. Fishermen have a similar attitude towards the otter today. Another reason is the increasing urbanization along the coast. To date, there are no more than 500 seals of this species left in the world.