Mediterranean Monk Seals Use Hidden 'Bubble Caves' to Escape Summer Tourists
A recent study published in Oryx on April 28 highlights the use of hidden underwater "bubble caves" by Mediterranean monk seals to evade human interference during busy tourist seasons. Researchers noted these behaviors on the uninhabited islet of Formicula, located in Greece's Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago. Over 141 days, seals made 119 visits to the bubble caves as opposed to 30 trips to a larger main cave, indicating a strong preference for privacy. These findings are vital for conservation efforts, especially since the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the seal population, estimated between 444 and 600, as vulnerable.
Key facts
- Study published April 28 in Oryx.
- Mediterranean monk seals use bubble caves to avoid tourists.
- Bubble cave located on Formicula, Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, Greece.
- Seals visited bubble cave 119 days vs. 30 days in main cave over 141 days.
- Estimated 444 to 600 mature individuals remain.
- Species is vulnerable (IUCN) and endangered (ESA).
- Study co-author: Julien Pfyffer, Octopus Foundation.
- Greece implemented new regulations around Formicula two years ago.
Entities
Institutions
- Oryx
- International Union for Conservation of Nature
- Endangered Species Act
- Octopus Foundation
- National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
- IFLScience
- Science
Locations
- Formicula
- Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago
- Greece
- Mediterranean Sea
- Atlantic Ocean
- northwest Africa
- Hawaiian Islands
- Longmont
- Colorado