ABSTRACT: The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is one of the most endangered marine mammals on Earth. The species has made a notable recovery during the past 10 yr and is now considered Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Its global population comprises 3 subpopulations: 2 in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and one in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Global estimated abundance is 815-997 individuals, including 443-599 mature individuals; annual pup production averages 170.5. Over the past decade, increased research efforts have shed new light on various aspects of the species’ biology and life history, including habitat and habitat use, vital rates, communication and genetics. The main threats to the species are (1) terrestrial and marine habitat loss and degradation that has or is resulting in the occupation of unsuitable habitat and limited prey availability, (2) negative interactions with fisheries that result in accidental entanglement or deliberate killings in response to damages to catches and/or fishing gear, (3) unpredictable threats, including cave collapses and mass mortality events and (4) pollution. Priority conservation actions for the species include (1) strengthening the legal framework for the protection of the terrestrial and marine habitat of the species, (2) effective protection of the species and its terrestrial and marine habitat, (3) scientific population and habitat monitoring, (4) rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and sick pups to increase neonatal survival rates, (5) public awareness and education, (6) monitoring and mitigating negative seal-fishery interactions and (7) expansion of the species’ current geographic range in the Atlantic Ocean.

中文翻译：

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脆弱的地中海僧海豹的现状、生物学、威胁和保护重点

摘要：地中海僧海豹Monachus monachus是地球上最濒危的海洋哺乳动物之一。该物种在过去 10 年中取得了显着的恢复，目前被国际自然保护联盟视为易危物种。其全球种群由 3 个亚种群组成：2 个在东北大西洋，1 个在东地中海。全球估计丰度为 815-997 个体，其中成熟个体 443-599 个体；年幼仔产量平均为 170.5 只。在过去的十年中，不断增加的研究工作为该物种的生物学和生活史的各个方面提供了新的线索，包括栖息地和栖息地的利用、生命率、通讯和遗传学。该物种面临的主要威胁是 (1) 陆地和海洋栖息地丧失和退化，已经或正在导致不适宜栖息地被占领和猎物供应有限，(2) 与渔业的负面相互作用，导致意外纠缠或蓄意捕杀对渔获物和/或渔具的损害；(3) 不可预测的威胁，包括洞穴塌陷和大规模死亡事件；(4) 污染。该物种的优先保护行动包括（1）加强保护该物种的陆地和海洋栖息地的法律框架，（2）有效保护该物种及其陆地和海洋栖息地，（3）科学的种群和栖息地监测，(4) 受伤、孤儿和患病幼崽的救援和康复，以提高新生儿存活率，(5) 公众意识和教育，(6) 监测和减轻海豹捕捞业的负面相互作用，以及 (7) 扩大该物种当前的地理范围分布于大西洋。