La foca monaca

In ancient Greece the Monk seal was placed under the protection of the God of the Sun Apollo and loved by the God the sea Poseidon.

At one time the species were widespread throughout the Mediterranean sea ; The Romans Knew it and called it “old of the sea” giving to this marine mammal human nature.
The Mediterranean monk seal, who's peculiar name cames from the Greek word “monachus” because the colour of its coat resemble the colour of a monk's robe, is listed as one of the species endanger of extinction.

For many years people studied the monk seal: in tavolara, capo caccia, but the last animals were in the Gulf of Orosei.

In the summer 1970 the Universities Federation Animal Welfare of London, sent his director Walter Scott for studies about the monk seal and his protection.

Scott made his trip in Sardinya with Prof. Furreddu. Together UFAW the study of the monk began in collaboration of Sardinyan Government.

Prof. Furreddu

Le ricerche già; iniziate negli anni precedenti si localizzarono nell'unico punto dove ancora si trovavano con certezza le foche, cioè nella GROTTA DEL FICO.

Last photo of the seal

Last monk seals were in the Gulf of Orosei (coast of Baunei) in the '80s .