Madeira · 2000—2026
Mediterranean monk seal
Madeira’s wild return.
Follow public reports of Madeira’s rare monk seals, known locally as lobo-marinho. Their main refuge is the Desertas Islands, with animals also seen around Madeira’s coast.
About Madeira’s monk seals
In Madeira, Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) form a small resident population. These seals feed mainly on fish, cephalopods and crustaceans, and depend on quiet coastal waters and sheltered beaches or sea caves for resting, giving birth and nursing—making respectful distance essential to their recovery.
- Total reports
- 129
- Latest observation
Public reports · newest first
Public records archive
15 August—30 August
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4 of 129 reports
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Markers represent broad named areas, never exact observation locations. Select an area to filter the archive.
4 of 4 reports mapped · 2 areas
Map: Natural Earth.
Reports over time
All datesSelect a year, then a month. Counts describe published reports; one animal may appear in several reports.
Months in 2024
Grouped by each record’s archive date. Approximate dates keep their original labels in the records below.
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Date: 2024Reported: Unidentified Diário de Notícias Madeira (Gabriel da Silva video)
Observation: One lobo-marinho swam near a group of five swimmers at Lido; Gabriel da Silva filmed the animal. The 31 Aug article says the encounter was 'ontem', establishing 30 Aug as the observation date.
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Date: 2024Reported: Unidentified Jornal da Madeira, citing Museu da Baleia da Madeira
Observation: One lobo-marinho was seen at Cais da Pedra d’Eira, initially resting at the sea surface near the quay before approaching it. Museu da Baleia staff reported the encounter and intervention. This is distinct in date from the 17 July Pedradeira sighting.
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Date: 2024Reported: Unidentified Diário de Notícias Madeira
Observation: One lobo-marinho swam near the bathing complex's access steps. Bystanders left the water during the encounter.
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Date: 2024Reported: Unidentified Jornal da Madeira, via NetMadeira republication
Observation: One lobo-marinho was observed near Praia da Barreirinha on the afternoon of Thursday 15 Aug, drawing the attention of bathers.