Discover the World's Rarest Seal

July 14, 2010

Last week, Nature Picture Library launched our unique Wild Wonders of Europe collection - the largest nature photography project ever, documenting the most spectacular wild places and wildlife of 48 European countries. This is the first of our new Wild Wonder of the Week picture series, in which we will introduce you to the Unseen, Unexpected and Unforgettable wild heritage of Europe.

Meet the Mediterranean Monk Seal, the most endangered seal on the planet, photographed by Nuno Sá in the Desertas Islands archipelago off Madeira, where a relict population of less than 30 individuals exist. Nuno was privileged to capture the courtship and mating behaviour of this extremely rare marine mammal.

From a total world population of less than 450, two thirds live along the coasts and among the islands of Greece and Turkey. The main threats to this critically endangered species come from human pressure, destruction of caves, competition from fishing, disease, pollution and reduced genetic diversity. The IUCN Species Survival Commission Seal Specialist Group has devised an Action Plan for the conservation of the species, which aims to involve local fishermen, to research into the status of the species and to develop a captive breeding programme.

To explore our Wild Wonders galleries in more detail click here, and if you would like our new Wild Wonders of Europe brochure, just contact us to order a copy.

Best wishes,
The teams at NPL & Wild Wonders of Europe