Monk seals got their name because their smooth, rounded shape reminded early observers of monks wearing long robes. They are large animals - adults can grow to nearly 2.4 metres long and weigh as much as 300 kilograms. Unlike many other seals that live in cold waters near the poles, monk seals love warm Mediterranean and Atlantic waters.
The biggest threat to monk seals has been disturbance of the sea caves where they rest and give birth to their pups. As more people built along coastlines and more boats moved through the sea, the seals found fewer and fewer quiet places. Today, conservationists protect known resting sites and ask boaters to stay away from sea caves where seals might be sheltering.
A sighting of a monk seal near Cyprus is a very exciting event. Researchers record each sighting and photograph the seals to track individual animals by their unique markings. Slowly, with careful protection, the population is beginning to recover - a hopeful sign that even very rare animals can bounce back when humans decide to help.