Newsroom / CNA
The elusive Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world’s rarest marine mammals, is making a slow but steady comeback along Cyprus’ shores. With an estimated 20 to 22 individuals, conservationists are celebrating progress, but warn that the species remains highly vulnerable.
Thanks to nearly 14 years of dedicated monitoring, seal births now occur almost annually, with two to three pups welcomed each year in regions like Akamas and Cape Greco. However, young seals face serious threats, particularly from fishing gear, which continues to claim juvenile lives before they reach adulthood.
Recent conservation wins include the successful tracking of individual seals, some even named, like Ariadne, and the implementation of strict protections around critical sea caves. In a dramatic rescue, a newborn pup was recently airlifted to Greece after its mother died during birth and is set to return to Cypriot waters once fully rehabilitated.
While monk seals are reclaiming their place in Cyprus’ marine ecosystem, experts urge the public to admire from a distance and avoid disturbing these rare creatures. The road to full recovery remains long, but with continued conservation efforts, the future is looking brighter for this charismatic species.
