1. Habitat Loss: The development of coastal areas, urbanization, and the expansion of human activities have rapidly reduced and fragmented the natural habitats of Mediterranean monk seals. These seals require undisturbed coastal areas with caves and rocky shores for breeding and resting, which have been severely impacted by human activities.
2. Hunting and Direct Killing: Mediterranean monk seals have historically been hunted for their fur, blubber, and meat, leading to a severe population decline. Although hunting is now illegal in most countries, illegal killings still occur, particularly in remote areas.
3. Bycatch: Incidental capture in fishing gear, known as bycatch, is a significant threat to Mediterranean monk seals. These seals can become entangled in fishing nets, traps, and lines, resulting in injury or death. Bycatch is particularly common in areas with unregulated or poorly managed fisheries.
4. Pollution: The Mediterranean Sea is heavily polluted due to industrial waste, sewage discharge, and oil spills. Pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and plastics can harm Mediterranean monk seals directly by causing health problems or indirectly by affecting their habitat and prey.
5. Climate Change: The changing climate is also contributing to the decline of Mediterranean monk seals. Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns affect the seals' habitats, while increasing water temperatures can disrupt their breeding cycles and impact their prey species.
6. Lack of Genetic Diversity: The Mediterranean monk seal population is small and fragmented, leading to a lack of genetic diversity. This makes the species less resilient to environmental changes, diseases, and other threats, increasing their vulnerability to extinction.
Efforts are being made to protect Mediterranean monk seals through conservation measures, such as the establishment of marine protected areas, regulations on fishing practices, and public awareness campaigns. However, due to the various factors contributing to their endangerment, the recovery of the Mediterranean monk seal population remains a significant challenge.