Why is the Mediterranean monk seal so rare?

               The Mediterranean monk seal is the rarest pinniped species in the world. It is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, and the East Atlantic Ocean, along the coast of North-west Africa.

               Monk seals are known to have been first described by Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle in the 3rd century BC. For the ancient Greeks, they were sacred animals. However, modern man has torn apart the tradition, leaving the species with very little chances of survival. According to the IUCN Red List, Mediterranean monk seals are endangered animals, with less than 700 individuals.

               The main reasons for the dropping population of the monk seals are intentional killings for their fat, oil and skin and accidental killings during fishing activities. Like all other coastal species, seals too are threatened by the destruction of coastal ecosystems, particularly because they rest and nurse their young ones on the shores.

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