Dear Marmamers,
On behalf of my
colleagues, I am pleased to inform you of the publication of the following
article in Marine Mammal Science:
P. Dendrinos, A.A. Karamanlidis, E. Androukaki & B.J. McConnell (2007): Diving development
and behavior of a rehabilitated Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Marine Mammal Science
23(2): 387-397.
Abstract:
Among the priority
actions identified for saving the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal
are gaining basic biological information on movements and behavior, and
rescuing and rehabilitating wounded, and orphaned pups. On 22 May 2004 a
rehabilitated monk seal juvenile was fitted with a satellite tag, released in
the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, Northern Sporades,
Greece, and monitored for 167 d. Postrelease, the
seal remained close to the islands of the park and within the 200-m isobath. Throughout the monitoring period, the seal reduced
time hauled out, while 95-percentile dive duration and depth gradually
increased. The overall maximum depth of 123 m recorded in this study is the
greatest depth ever recorded for the species. These results confirm the
effectiveness of the rehabilitation program carried out on the particular
animal and provide additional support for the continuation of the
rehabilitation program as a conservation measure for the species. We
demonstrate that satellite tracking of rehabilitated seals is a valuable
research and conservation tool, even for a species that commonly uses shoreline
caves for resting, molting, and parturition.
The article is available
online and will be in print in the April Issue.
Sincerely,
Alexandros A.
Karamanlidis
Biologist –
Field Researcher
Email: a.karamanlidis@mom.gr