Monk seal comeback

[Maik]

Mediterranean monk seals make comeback in Aegean, no longer 'critically endangered'

In a rare piece of environmental good news, the Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal  (MOm) on Monday announced that the seal (Monachus monachus) has made an unlooked-for comeback in the Aegean, with its population recovering to the point where it is no longer considered "critically endangered".

The monk seal has now dropped down one category in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered'.

"What seems to have played a decisive role in improving the status of the species is the now positive approach of the majority of citizens, as a result of information, environmental training and general sensitisation," MOm noted.

They warned, however, that the danger to the species has not been eliminated since the populations remain small and vulnerable and the threats they face - such as habitat degradation and competition from human fishing - remain significant.

http://www.amna.gr/english/article/12772/Mediterranean-monk-seals-make-comeback-in-Aegean--no-longer-critically-endangered