ESR 45:315-329 (2021)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01134

ABSTRACT: We provide the first complete set of survival rate estimates for the Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus from birth into adulthood, as well as the first age-specific reproductive rates for the species. From 2002 to 2016, we obtained individual seal live encounter data through non-invasive monitoring techniques that were analyzed to estimate vital rates of Mediterranean monk seals of the Cabo Blanco (Western Sahara/Mauritania) population. From birth to age 2 mo, when pups molt, survival averaged 0.59, ranging from 0.41 to 0.74 among cohorts. From birth to 1 yr and from 1 to 2 yr, median estimated survival rates were 0.46 and 0.75, respectively. Beyond 2 yr, survival estimates differed by sex: 0.94 for males and 0.97 for females. From 2005 to 2016, we estimated a mean gross reproductive rate of 0.71. The youngest parturient females were 3 yr old. Fitted age-specific reproductive rates increased beginning at age 3 yr and exceeded 0.80 from age 6 to 17 yr. Despite low survival during the first 2 mo of life, the aggregate vital rates of the population are favorable for growth; a Leslie matrix containing our survival and fecundity estimates yielded an intrinsic growth rate of 1.058. Increasing abundance and favorable vital rates are a testament to the efficacy of the many measures taken to promote the conservation of this population.

KEY WORDS: Mediterranean monk seal · Monachus monachus · Survival rates · Reproductive rates · Fecundity · Cabo Blanco

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Cite this article as: Fernández de Larrinoa P, Baker JD, Cedenilla MA, Harting AL and others (2021) Age-specific survival and reproductive rates of Mediterranean monk seals at the Cabo Blanco Peninsula, West Africa. Endang Species Res 45:315-329. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01134 Export citation Share:    Facebook - - linkedIn