[MARMAM] New publication on genetic and demographic history of Mediterranean monk seals
Dear MARMAM Readers, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of our recent article in Scientific Reports Karamanlidis, A. A., T. Skrbinšek, G. Amato, P. Dendrinos, S. Gaughran, P. Kasapidis, A. Kopatz and A. V. Stronen (2021). "Genetic and demographic history define a conservation strategy for Earth’s most endangered Pinniped, the Mediterranean monk seal *Monachus monachus*." Scientific Reports. 11:373. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79712-1 ABSTRACT: The Mediterranean monk seal *(Monachus monachus) *is a flagship species for marine conservation, but important aspects of its life history remain unknown. Concerns over imminent extinction motivated a nuclear DNA study of the species in its largest continuous subpopulation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Despite recent evidence of partial subpopulation recovery, we demonstrate that there is no reason for complacency, as the species still shares several traits that are characteristic of a critically endangered species: Mediterranean monk seals in the eastern Mediterranean survive in three isolated and genetically depauperate population clusters, with small effective population sizes and high levels of inbreeding. Our results indicated male philopatry over short distances, which is unexpected for a polygynous mammal. Such a pattern may be explained by the species’ unique breeding behavior, in which males defend aquatic territories near breeding sites, while females are often forced to search for new pupping areas. Immediate action is necessary to reverse the downward spiral of population decline, inbreeding accumulation and loss of genetic diversity. We propose concrete conservation measures for the Mediterranean monk seal focusing on reducing anthropogenic threats, increasing the population size and genetic diversity, and thus improving the long-term prospects of survival. The article can be accessed via the link: https://rdcu.be/cdnqj Do not hesitate to contact me (akaramanli...@gmail.com) if you have any comments or questions. Kind regards, Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, PhD Scientific Coordinator MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Genetic status of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal
Dear Marmammers, my co-authors and I are pleased to announce the following publication: Karamanlidis A.A., Gaughran S., Aguilar A., Dendrinos P., Huber D., Pires R., Schultz J., Skrbinšek T., Amato G. 2016. Shaping species conservation strategies using mtDNA analysis: The case of the elusive Mediterranean monk seal (*Monachus monachus*). Biological Conservation 193: 71-79. The paper is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320715301622 Abstract is below, pdf requests can be sent to: akaramanli...@gmail.com Kind regards *Αλέξανδρος Καραμανλίδης* *Βιολόγος **PhD* *Επιστημονικός Συντονιστής* *MOm**/Εταιρεία Μελέτης & Προστασίας της Μεσογειακής Φώκιας* *Alexandros Karamanlidis* *Biologist PhD* *Scientific Coordinator* *MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal* *www.mom.gr <http://www.mom.gr/>* *tel: 00302105222888 <00302105222888>, fax: 00302105222450 <00302105222450>, mob: 00306942439175 <00306942439175>* [image: MOmsimablueDiafano copy] Abstract Halting biodiversity loss is one of the major conservation challenges of our time and science-based conservation actions are required to safeguard the survival of endangered species. However the establishment of effective conservation strategies may be hampered by inherent difficulties of studying elusive animals. We used analysis of control region sequences to obtain baseline information on the genetic diversity and population structure and history of the elusive and critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal that will help define an effective conservation strategy for the species. We analyzed 165 samples collected throughout the entire extant range of the species and identified 5 haplotypes. Based on levels of genetic diversity (haplotypic diversity: 0.03; variable sites: 0.6%) the Mediterranean monk seal appears to be one of the most genetically depauperate mammals on Earth. We identified three genetically distinct monk seal subpopulations: one in the north Atlantic [Cabo Blanco vs. Aegean Sea (FST=0.733; P=0.000); Cabo Blanco vs. Ionian Sea (FST=0.925; P=0.000)] and two in theMediterranean, one in the Ionian and another one in the Aegean Sea (Ionian vs. Aegean Sea FST=0.577; P=0.000). Results indicate a recent divergence and short evolutionary history of the extant Mediterranean monk seal subpopulations. Based on the results we recommend continuation of the monitoring efforts for the species and systematic collection of genetic samples and storage in dedicated sample banks. On a management level we argue that, based on genetic evidence, it is justified tomanage the Atlantic and Mediterranean monk seal subpopulations as two separate management units. In Greece, the existence of two subpopulations should guide efforts for the establishment of a network of protected areas and identify the monitoring of habitat availability and suitability as an important conservation priority. ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New website: MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal
Dear friends and colleagues Sorry for cross-posting We would like to announce the launch of the renewed web site of MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal. Our renewed site presents the highlights of Mediterranean monk seal research, conservation and management in Greece, while providing at the same time valuable material for researchers, educationists and journalists. Please visit our new site at: www.mom.gr Season's Greetings from Greece Alexandros Karamanlidis, PhD Scientific Coordinator MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal 18, Solomou Str. GR-10682 Athens GREECE Tel: +30 210 5222888 Fax: +30 210 5222450 Mob: +30 6942439175 http://www.mom.gr *Support* *us* *now**:* http://www.mom.gr/displayITM1.asp?ITMID=176 ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New Paper: Mediterranean monk seals in Libya
Dear All We are pleased to announce a new publication on Mediterranean monk seals in Libya. Citation: Alfaghi, I.A., Abed, A.S., Dendrinos, P., Psaradellis, M., Karamanlidis, A.A. 2013. First confirmed sighting of the Mediterranean monk seal (*Monachus monachus*) in Libya since 1972. Aquatic Mammals 39(1), 81-84, DOI 10.1578/AM.39.1.2013.81 This Short Note deals with the first confirmed sighting of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal in Libya since 1972. For reprints, please contact: Alexandros A. Karamanlidis, PhD Scientific Coordinator MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal Athens GREECE Email: akaramanli...@gmail.com ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] Invitation to submit to special issue of Aquatic Mammals on Monk Seals
Dear Marmamers During the 18th Biennial Conference of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in Quebec/Canada, 12-16 October 2009, a workshop was held focusing on the study and conservation of the critically endangered Monk seals. The workshop, entitled Research, Management, Conservation and Policy in Monk seal recovery: A global Perspective provided an excellent opportunity for monk seal researchers and conservationists from around the world to meet and discuss latest advances and achievements in the field. Overall, more than 15 presentations and posters were made, being evidence of the growing efforts to understand and protect these endangered species. Moving in the direction of promoting monk seal recovery through the widest possible dissemination of information and in cooperation with the peer-reviewed, scientific journal Aquatic Mammals, we are launching an effort to prepare a special issue of the journal dedicated to all species of monk seals. We would therefore like to invite monk seal researchers and conservation practitioners interested in contributing to this issue to contact us, no later than April 30, 2010. Prospective authors would then have six months time to prepare a manuscript and submit to Aquatic Mammals, indicating that the manuscript is for consideration in the special issue on monk seals, for peer-review by October 30, 2010. According to a tentative time plan, the special issue would be published early in 2011 - publishing procedures would follow the general guidelines of the journal. In order to speed the process, authors interested in submitting an article related to either the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) or the Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) should contact Dr. Alexandros A. Karamanlidis (akaramanli...@gmail.com); authors interested in submitting an article related to the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) should contact David Schofield (david.schofi...@noaa.gov). We look forward to hearing from you! On behalf of the organizers: Dr. Alexandros A. Karamanlidis Scientific Coordinator MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal David Schofield, M.Sc. Marine Mammal Response Network Coordinator NOAA/NMFS/PIRO ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
[MARMAM] New article on the diving development of Mediterranean monk seals
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: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ MOm, HELLENIC SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF THE MONK SEAL 18 Solomou Str. GR-10682 Athens Greece. Tel.:+30.1.5222888, Fax: +30.1.5222450, web-site: http://www.mom.gr/ www.mom.gr _ ___ MARMAM mailing list MARMAM@lists.uvic.ca https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam
