Filenews 24 November 2024
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment announces the successful rescue of a 10-day-old Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, currently the rarest marine mammal in Europe.
Rescue operation
Last Monday, November 18, 2024, a dead adult seal was found in the sea area of free Famagusta. Following an autopsy, it was determined that her death resulted from complications whilst giving birth.
Since then, the monitoring team of the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus, which consists of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, was immediately mobilized to find the pup. With the help of lifeguards, the newborn was found on Thursday, November 21, in a rocky coastal area. He was immediately transferred to the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Centre (EKTHIK) of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in Meneou, where he was provided with the necessary care. The little seal was named "Panagis", as its discovery coincided with the feast of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.
Transfer in Greece
Under the instructions of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panagiotou and in order to ensure its survival, an operation was organized for the safe airlift of the "Panayi" to Greece.
The transport of the baby seal was made possible thanks to the kind offer of a Greek air transport company, as part of its corporate social responsibility, which sensitively undertook the realization of the operation, which is carried out for the first time in Cyprus.
The newborn was handed over to the Organization for the Study and Protection of the Mediterranean Monk Seal (MOm). The care center, which operates within the Attica Zoological Park, is staffed by a specialized team with many years of experience for the care of this species, but also with the cooperation of experienced and specialized veterinarians in marine mammals.
Panayi's Health
Little Panayis, who since last night, Friday, has been in the hands of specialists, is constantly being cared for, with his first medical examinations being encouraging. However, the newborn will be closely monitored to avoid complications, as a lack of maternal care increases the risks. If everything goes smoothly, the animal will remain in the care center for at least 4-5 months, in order to prepare for its reintegration into the natural environment, the Cypriot seas.
The rarity of the species
The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is the rarest marine mammal in Europe. The global population of the species is estimated at 700 individuals, while in the Cypriot seas the population numbers about 20-22 individuals.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, through the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and a monitoring team of specialized officials of the Ministry, implements extensive conservation actions, such as:
• Declaration of marine protected areas.
• Recording and monitoring of its shelters through special cameras and scientific study of the biology of the species.
• Restoration of shelters
• Cooperation with Greece, which hosts the largest population of Mediterranean monk seals.
The Ministry expresses its gratitude to all the actors who cooperated for the success of this important mission, showing particular sensitivity. Warm thanks go to the Greek air transport company, the executives of MOm, the lifeguards, the Port Police and the departments of the Ministry who immediately acted with zeal, sensitivity and responsibility for the rescue of the little "Panagi".
The aim of the Ministry is to preserve the fauna of our country, with particular emphasis on the protection of its rare and emblematic species, such as the Mediterranean monk seal.
