by Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, MOm
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is the most endangered seal in the world and in urgent need of immediate and effective conservation and management measures. One of the key factors hampering recovery of this threatened species is the substantial lack of information on the animals’ biology and population status. Due to the recent advances in molecular techniques, the genetic study of endangered species is increasingly being used in shaping conservation strategies. In the case of the Mediterranean monk seal, genetic research has been used successfully in understanding the genetic status, population structure and demographic trajectory of the monk seal colony at the Cabo Blanco Peninsula. In contrast, however, little is known with respect to the genetic status of the largest remaining population of the species, in the eastern Mediterranean Basin. Assessing genetic variability and understanding population structure of Mediterranean monk seals in Greece were identified as priority actions for the conservation of the species in the recently revised “National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of the Mediterranean Monk seal in Greece 2009 – 2015.” This plan was developed by MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal and has been submitted to the National and European authorities for adoption.
