Mediterranean Monk Seal Skull

$274.00

The Mediterranean Monk Seal, numbering fewer than 500 individuals in the world, is one of the world’s most endangered mammals. This species feeds on a variety of fish as well as octopus and squid. They are diurnal and sensitive to disturbance.

Description

Mediterranean Monk Seal Skull Replica measures 12.2 inches. Mediterranean Monk Seal Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Monachus monachus is the scientific name. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home décor skull, or office décor skull.

The Mediterranean Monk seal or Monachus monachus is a monk seal belonging to the family Phocidae. As of 2015, it is estimated that fewer than 700 individuals survive in three or four isolated sub-populations in the Mediterranean, especially in the Aegean Sea, the archipelago of Madeira and the Cabo Blanco area in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It is believed to be the world’s rarest pinniped species.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal or Monachus monachus of seal grows from approximately 2.6 ft. long at birth up to an average of 7.9 ft. as adults, females slightly shorter than males. Males weigh an average of 710 lbs. and females weigh 660 lb.

They are thought to live up to 45 years old and the average life span is thought to be 20 to 25 years old and reproductive maturity is reached at around age four.

The Mediterranean Monk Seal or Monachus monachus pups are about 3.3 ft. long and weigh around 33 to 40 lbs., their skin being covered dark brown to black hair. On their bellies, there is a white stripe, which differs in color and shape between the two sexes.

In females the stripe is usually rectangular in shape whereas in males it is usually butterfly shaped. This hair is replaced after six to eight weeks by the usual short hair adults carry. Adults will continue to molt annually, causing their color vibrancy to change throughout the year.

Pregnant Mediterranean Monk seals or Monachus monachus typically use inaccessible undersea caves while giving birth, though historical descriptions show they used open beaches until the 18th century. There are eight pairs of teeth in both jaws.

Believed to have the shortest hair of any pinniped, the Mediterranean Monk seal or Monachus monachus fur is black or brown to dark grey, with a paler belly, which is close to white in males.

The snout is short broad and flat, with very pronounced, long nostrils that face upward.

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Additional information

Weight 6 lbs
Dimensions 12.2 in
Mediterranean Monk Seal Facts

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Clade: Pinnipediformes
Clade: Pinnipedia
Family: Phocidae
Genus: Monachus
Species: M. monachus
Binomial name: Monachus monachus
Conservation Status Endangered