Hidden ‘bubble cave’ may help world’s rarest seal steer clear of humans: Study
Researchers have discovered that rare Mediterranean monk seals use a hidden 'bubble cave' on the Greek islet of Formicula to avoid human disturbances. This cave, which is accessible through underwater passages, provides the seals with a space to rest and seek shelter. The findings suggest that such habitats should be considered important for the conservation of these endangered seals.
- ▪Mediterranean monk seals are the world's rarest pinniped, with fewer than 1,000 remaining.
- ▪The bubble cave allows seals to breathe and hide from tourists, providing a refuge from human activity.
- ▪Over a study period, seals were observed using the bubble cave more frequently than the main cave, indicating its significance as a habitat.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
(function($) { $(document).ready(function() { const bulletPoints = $('.bulletpoints'); const toggle = $('.bulletpoints-wrapper .content-expander'); if (bulletPoints.length > 0) { const bulletPointsHeight = bulletPoints[0].scrollHeight; if (bulletPointsHeight && bulletPointsHeight <= 170) { toggle.remove(); } toggle.click(function() { bulletPoints.toggleClass('visible'); $('#expander-container.bullets').toggleClass('visible'); $(this).toggleClass('visible'); }); } }); })(jQuery); On the Greek islet of Formicula, researchers have found rare Mediterranean monk seals will take refuge in an air-filled “bubble cave,” according to a recent study. This type of hidden chamber, accessible via underwater passages, allows the seals to breathe, and possibly hide from tourists, the researchers said.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Mongabay — News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Mongabay — News
