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Mediterranean monk seal
Photo: Marinko Babić, CC BY-SA 4.0

Türkiye · Mammal

Mediterranean monk seal

Monachus monachus

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the rarest seals in the world. It rests and raises its pups in sea caves with underwater entrances, far from people.

Where it lives
The Mediterranean and Aegean, including the coasts of Türkiye
Diet
CarnivoreEats meat
Weight
240–300 kg
Length
2.4 m
Lifespan (wild)
20–30 years

In Pawpedia: What is a mammal?What is a carnivore?

Yaman scale

Drawn side by side with Yaman, to the same scale.

Mediterranean monk seal: length 2.4 m — that's 1.6 times Yaman's height. Length Yaman · 1.5 m Mediterranean monk seal · 2.4 m
Length1.6Yamans

Mediterranean monk seal: length 2.4 m — that's 1.6 times Yaman's height.

Weight7.7Yamans

Around 270 kg — as heavy as 7.7 Yamans.

Common questions

Where does the Mediterranean monk seal live?

The Mediterranean and Aegean, including the coasts of Türkiye. In our zoo it lives in the Türkiye zone.

What does the Mediterranean monk seal eat?

It is a carnivore: it eats meat.

How big does the Mediterranean monk seal get?

Length: 2.4 m. It weighs 240–300 kg.

How long does the Mediterranean monk seal live?

20–30 years in the wild.

Is the Mediterranean monk seal endangered?

On the IUCN Red List it is listed as vulnerable. Numbers are falling; it will be in danger without protection.

Got another question? Ask Yaman

Did you know?

  • It gives birth in sea caves, not on open beaches.
  • Newborn pups have soft, black fur.
  • It is protected along Türkiye's coasts — if you see one, watch from a distance.

How safe is it?

  1. LC
  2. NT
  3. VU
  4. EN
  5. CR
  6. EW
  7. EX

Vulnerable. Numbers are falling; it will be in danger without protection.

IUCN Red List

How can you help these animals?

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