PUP-MOTHER-ENVlRONMENT RELATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL, MONACHUS MONACHUS (HERMANN 1779), ON TURKISH COASTS

Abstract

Today the Mediterranean monk seal is one of the most severely endangered mam- malian species. 15 or 20 years ago it was possible to find the monk seal nearly along ali the Mediterranean and northwestern Atlantic coasts of Africa. However, at present the monk seal can be found almost only on the Turkish coasts and it is struggling for survival. We hav e been carrying on research beginning from March 1980 along our coasts to enable its survival. In one of our observation caves we have had the chance of observing a new-born pup and mother from the beginning of October 1980, to the end of February 1981. We have used Altmann’s (1974) “Focal Animal Sampling Method”. Observations have revea- led that the mother does not suckIe its young for two or three weeks as other seals, but for four months. The mother does not teach the pup to swim, but the pup learns it by itself. Some other Information such as the pup-mother-other individuals and environmen rela- tions, the pup’s first experience in the öpen seas with mother, the effects of the cave’s features on the survival of the pup have been gathered. Thus many clues to help the survival of the Mediterranean monk seal have been obtained.

Keywords

• PUP-MOTHER-ENVlRONMENT
• MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL
• MONACHUS MONACHUS

References

1. Ankara Üniversitesi – Communications Faculty of Sciences University of Ankara Series C Biology Dergisi