Mediterranean monk seal programme successful, as numbers up for most endangered mammal in
Source: in-cyprus.com
They’re down to 700, but the monk seal of ‘Mare Nostrum’, our sea, will survive, with determined efforts to protect the species paying dividends, as heard at an annual special event, organised by the Akamas Municipality and the Cap St Georges Hotel and Resort in Agios Georgios Peyias.
Last nights’ tribute to the iconic Mediterranean species revolved around a detailed discussion on the outcome of protection efforts and what more is needed in a collective manner.
Ministry of Agriculture Director-General Andreas Grigoriou represented minister Maria Panayiotou, while other notable attendees and speakers included the president of the Organization for the Study and Protection of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Dr. Panagiotis Dendrinos, and members of the Mediterranean monk seal monitoring team in Cyprus, Haris Nikolaou, Melina Markou, and Giannis Ioannou.
This year’s event was considered highly significant on the next steps towards the species’ protection and how to continue this successful project, as the Mediterranean monk seal population in Cyprus has been steadily increasing in recent years.
The Agriculture Ministry promised to step up its support towards raising public awareness. The Mediterranean monk seal is considered the top endangered marine mammal in Europe.
Its population in the Mediterranean is around 700 individuals, half of which live in Greek waters, with 22 animals estimated in Cyprus.
Through the species monitoring program and observation records, a rise in the Mediterranean monk seal population in Cyprus has been observed over the past 15 years, when its population was estimated to be around 7-10 individuals.
The Mayor of Akamas, Marinos Lambrou, speaking to “Phileleftheros”, stressed that the primary goal was to protect, manage and maintain biodiversity in the sea caves area, the animals ecosystem, with the aim being the most harmonious coexistence possible between seal and human.
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