Cyprus’ Rare Monk Seals Make a Comeback

With an estimated population of 20 to 22 seals, the species is showing signs of resilience, but conservationists warn that the battle to protect these endangered animals is far from over.

Head of the ministry’s monk seal monitoring programme, Charalambos Nicolaou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that while births occur almost every year, vigilance remains crucial.

He urged the public to observe the animals from a distance, take photographs if they wish, but never attempt to approach them. Entry into sea caves, which serve as vital shelters for the seals, should also be avoided.

Over the past 14 years, monk seals have given birth nearly every year, a development that was not previously observed in Cyprus. 

“We have two to three newborns annually,” Nicolaou said.

These births occur in different regions, from Akamas to Cape Greco, showing that the seals are adapting to various coastal areas. Under the monitoring programme, a national database has been established to track seal activity with information gathered from fishermen, the public and maritime professionals.

“We maintain a national database and see that these animals move throughout Cyprus’ waters,” Nicolaou explained.

Since 2011, the programme has mapped and monitored all caves used by the species for rest and reproduction. Cameras installed in these locations provide crucial insights.

“Given that our population is small, we know each seal personally,” he added.

Some seals have even been named.

“For instance, we track a seal named Ariadne and know when she enters her cave in Peyia. We can monitor their movements, breeding habits, and resting patterns, and identify disturbances or threats,” he said.

While the population is growing, threats persist with the greatest danger coming from fishing equipment, Nicolaou said.

“Young seals, inexperienced after weaning, may get caught in fishing nets while trying to catch fish. An adult, weighing around 250kg, knows how to pull the fish from the net without getting tangled, but younger ones do not.”

Studies in Cyprus and Greece indicate that most monk seal deaths involve juveniles under two years old.

“Because of these fatalities, the population is not increasing dramatically,” he said.

Recent births in late 2024 and early 2025 included two pups – ne male and one female. However, one of the mothers died during labour.

“We launched an urgent effort to locate the newborn, which was found in a weakened state. The following day, it was transferred to Greece for specialist care,” Nicolaou revealed.

“It is expected to return to Cyprus soon to be released back into the sea.”

To safeguard the seals, restrictions have been imposed near their habitats. Fishing and boat traffic are banned in front of mapped caves, and development on land above them is prohibited.

“Monachus monachus is one of the rarest seal species in the world and the rarest marine mammal in Europe. In recent years, its numbers have been recovering,” Nicolaou said.

Despite the progress, he stressed that the survival of Cyprus’ monk seals remains fragile but “the conservation programmes in place and the growing awareness among stakeholders have led to remarkable results.”

Source: Cyprus Mail