Monk seal

A dot on he map southeast of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea, the uninhabited islet of Formikoula was an important haven for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, for loggerhead turtles and for myriad seabirds, thanks to its craggy landscape and caves.

Dozens of standup paddleboarders are flocking to sea cliffs in the southern province of Antalya, a common nesting site of the endangered monk seal, creating a potential danger for the animals, an expert has warned.

The event is part of a broader effort of joint actions in Cyprus and Greece to enhance awareness on the highly significant issue of protecting the Mediterranean Monk Seal “Monachus Monachus”

In order to minimize disturbance by tourist boats during the summer, the entrances to two underwater caves where seals reside in the Kaş and Demre districts of the southern province of Antalya have been blocked off with iron chains.

A new study conducted by the Archipelagos Institute for Marine Conservation, titled "First Assessment of Micro-Litter Ingested by Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Monk Seals Found Stranded along the Coasts of Samos Island, Greece," has shed light on the extent of plastic pollution in the Aegean Sea. 

Since 2015, WWF Greece has led an effort to protect Gyaros, an uninhabited island in the Cyclades and a Natura 2000 site which hosts the largest colony of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in Greece.

Suluada island in the southern province of Antalya - home to white sand, sparkling sea, Mediterranean monk seals and underwater caves for groupers - fascinates visitors. (AA Photo)

Turkey's postal service PTT has entered the Best Europa Stamp competition with a stamp with a drawing of a famous Mediterranean monk seal named Badem (Almond).

The theme of this year's competition is "Endangered Wildlife and Biodiversity."

A Mediterranean monk seal (monacus monacus) family has been spotted on the shores of Turkish Cyprus, giving hope to nature lovers who have been leading struggles to protect and keep the endangered species alive.

A young Mediterranean monk seal and three striped dolphins have been found dead with obvious signs of violence in the northeastern Aegean in recent days, according to a marine conservation group that reported more seal killings earlier this month.