Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
The Monachus Guardian, cilt.6, sa.1, ss.1-5, 2003 (Hakemsiz Dergi)
The aim of this study is to determine whether the rehabilitation of the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus in Turkey is necessary and, if so, to identify basic requirements for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre. A literature search, including grey publications on the species and its rehabilitation, was conducted for the purposes of the study. In addition, data obtained through the field research of SAD-AFAG, of which the authors are members, and basic experience gained by the authors during a brief course at the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre in the Netherlands, were taken into consideration. So far, rehabilitation of Mediterranean monk seals has been carried out in Greece, Mauritania and Madeira, thereby covering most of the current distribution range of the species. Two monk seals which were reported to have been in need of rehabilitation during the last decade along Turkish coasts died. A third animal was found stranded, but disappeared after a few days. While it is impossible to conclude that these animals would have survived as a result of rehabilitation and veterinary treatment, experience elsewhere has shown that they would have enjoyed a better chance of survival had rehabilitation facilities existed in Turkey. Taking all known factors into consideration, including the low population numbers along Turkish coasts, this study recommends the deployment of a mobile rehabilitation unit rather than the creation of a permanent rehabilitation centre. On a national scale, the authors also recommend the preparation of rehabilitation protocols, the establishment of a rescue and information network to provide timely alerts on strandings and the discovery of orphaned seals, and the involvement of experienced staff. Should rehabilitation take place, the authors propose that seals be released along the Cilician coasts or the Karaburun Peninsula, where conservation projects have been conducted since the mid-1990s.