Mediterranean monk seals are one of the most endangered mammals in the world. The name is derived from the fact that their body coloration looks like a monk's clothing. They live in small inlets and sea caves of the Mediterranean and Black Sea, and off the north-western coast of Africa to Madeira and the Canaries. Their social groups consist of a large male and many females. Mating occurs underwater and births occur from May to November.

Did you know?
Mediterranean monk seals swim so well that they can outmaneuver a shark.


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