Mediterranean monk seal in Albania: historical presence, sightings and habitat availability

12 pages, 2 tables, 1 figure

Mediterranean monk seal populations were heavily reduced in time all over its entire ancient distribution. In Albania, the species was reported to be present in the past in spite of the lack of references on specific locations, reproductive activities and numbers of individuals. It is nowadays considered to be extinct. Nonetheless, several sightings have been reported, afterward, along the country coasts. With the present project, we intended to investigate and clarify the past and present status of the species in Albania. Information on its historical presence were reviewed along with the collection and evaluation of recent sightings. Furthermore, the 65 km of the Marine National Park of Karaburuni-Sazani coast were surveyed to check suitable habitat availability for the species (marine caves). Eight caves were mapped, two of which, the ones that presented the best characteristics for breeding, were equipped with infrared cameras. In one of those, we recovered evidence of actual use by the seals. Aside from shed light, for the first time, on the status of the species, our project has the ambition to provide insights for an effective monitoring and conservation strategy, to be planned on a long-timescale at a local level, and within a “region-wide approach”

The present work is part of the data analysis collected within the project “Sustainability, threats, presence and habitat use of the Mediterranean monk seal in Albania”, funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and in part co-funded and supported by OceanCare

Peer reviewed