The Mediterranean monk seal, known locally as ‘bumerin’ or ‘monka,’ has been spotted on Maltese shores for the first time since 1974. The sighting was confirmed by local marine biologist Alan Deidun, who shared the news on Facebook.
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The Mediterranean monk seal is critically endangered, with a population of fewer than 1,000 individuals, primarily found in Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey. These seals face numerous threats, including collisions with seacraft, persecution, light pollution, and human intrusion into their breeding habitats, such as semi-submerged caves.
The marine biologist’s post highlights the importance of such a rare sighting in Maltese waters, describing it as a “welcome return”. The reappearance of the bumerin on the Maltese coast brings hope for conservation efforts.
Deidun thanked Andrew Galea and Mario Muscat for the photo and footage.
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