Wednesday 18 October 2017

Monk Seals, the Desertas Islands, Madeira





A globally endangered species, with approximately 450-600 individuals. The Desertas Islands lie just off the east coast of the island of Madeira and is the only place that you will see these creatures in Europe and is home to just 48 individuals. We were lucky enough to see 2 on our recent trip there. Massive seals, weighing in at an impressive 3 tons, with the bulls getting up to 5 tons and 4-5 metres in length. Very impressive when they are swimming a few metres away from you.

2 comments:

  1. They look very lazy and peaceful, but I wouldn't want to get one mad

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    Replies
    1. They do indeed Simon, but have a nasty bite! We were told that under no circumstances were we to go anywhere near one as it would attack!
      J

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