Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-08

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Mediterranean monk seals make comeback in Aegean, no longer 'critically endangered'

[01] Mediterranean monk seals make comeback in Aegean, no longer 'critically endangered'

The monk seal has now dropped down one category in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered'.

MOm announced the news after it was informed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which made the decision based on a reassessment of the species' status carried out by MOm researchers, based on specific biological criteria.

MOm worked with experts throughout the world to collect and evaluate the most recent data available concerning the conservation status of the monk seal, an MOm announcement said. They also noted positive developments in recent years in at least three of the four main regions of the monk seal's range, among them Greece. At the same time, there have been significant advances in knowledge concerning the biology and threats faces by the species.

"What seems to have played a decisive role in improving the status of the species is the now positive approach of the majority of citizens, as a result of information, environmental training and general sensitisation," MOm noted.

They warned, however, that the danger to the species has not been eliminated since the populations remain small and vulnerable and the threats they face - such as habitat degradation and competition from human fishing - remain significant.

"The Mediterranean seal is still at risk of extinction but a step has been made in the right direction for its protection and we are seeing signs of recovery," MOm scientific coordinator Alexandros Karamanlidis told the ANA-MPA, noting that Greece hosted the largest and most important monk seal colony at present.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article