There are three species of monk seal. The Hawaiian species is endangered, the Mediterranean species is critically endangered, but sadly it is too late for the Caribbean species, which has become extinct.

Life span
About 23 years.

Statistics
Males (bulls): 2.4-2.6m, Females (cows): 2.4-2.8m. Adult weight: 250-300kg (maximum 400 kg)

Physical description
The coloration of the upper side of the body is uniform brown and the lower underside is a spotted yellowish-white. The name is derived from the fact that the total body coloration looks like a monk's clothing.

The forelimbs have well developed flat claws but the toes of the hind limb are so well elongated that they may have no nails at all.

Distribution
Mediterranean monk seals can be found in numerous small inlets and sea caves of the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and off the north-western coast of Africa to Madeira and the Canaries.

Diet
Seals typically seek food in water less than 30 metres deep, although an individual was reported to dive up to 75m deep. The diet consists of fish and octopus.

Behaviour
The social structure of the monk seal is still subject to further investigation by scientists. It is known that social groups consist of a large male and many females.

Reproduction
Mating occurs underwater and births occur from May to November, with peak births between September and October, after an 11 month pregnancy. Pups at birth are 84cm long and weigh 20kg.

Conservation status
The species is classed as Critically Endangered by the 2000 IUCN Red List. It faces hunting pressures from humans, which has accelerated in recent years owing to increases in fishing activities, and has been affected by motorised vessels and other human activity.

Although it is legally protected, it is regularly killed by fishermen who consider it a pest through competing for fish stocks and damaging nets.