New monitoring confirms regular breeding of the Mediterranean monk seal in Northern Cyprus. Issue 4 (2nd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beton, Damla; Broderick, Annette C.; Godley, Brendan J.; Kolaç, Emre; Ok, Meltem; Snape, Robin T. E.
• Is Part Of: Oryx. Volume 55:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 522
• Page End: 525
• Publication Date: 2021-07-02
• Subjects: Breeding -- camera trap -- Cyprus -- Mediterranean monk seal -- Monachus monachus; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; 639.9
• DOI: 10.1017/S0030605320000848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-6053

Abstract

Abstract: 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.