An encounter with Monachus monachus
We left the boat behind and approached, swimming with wolf flippers so as not to make any noise. We swam along the high, wave-swept cliff to a crevice. It’s a small cave, narrow and dark, some twenty meters long, cut off from the light of the Aegean Sea. We walk along the walls, single file, to make ourselves as inconspicuous as possible. Until, at the far end, we see two small eyes shining in the darkness. There they are, on the pebbles. A female, accompanied by the young she gave birth to a few days ago. We hold our breath and keep our distance. The priority is not to startle them. The encounter is furtive, lasting less than a minute. It’s time to withdraw.
Oh, I’ve seen seals before. But these are special. The Mediterranean monk seal(Monachus monachus) is an endangered species that came close to extinction. In recent years, however, it has made a comeback. Although it is still rare, numbering barely 500 individuals, populations are increasing again. This is thanks in no small part to the work carried out by Mom (the animal protection association that guided us here) and the conservation measures implemented in the Alonissos Marine Protected Area, which is one of its refuges.
Our little team – photographer, camerawoman, writer – climb back aboard the MPA guards’ boat. We’re dripping with joy. For we have experienced a rare moment. There’s so much bad environmental news out there, it’s worth savoring when you see, in the field, that it’s possible to reverse trends and let nature reclaim its rights.
Julien Blanc-Gras
