First Documented Uses of Caves along the Coast of Albania by Mediterranean Monk Seals (Monachus monachus, Hermann 1779): Ecological and Conservation Inferences

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Present and past information on endangered species distribution, biology and ecology is essential to implement conservation measures. The first documented use of habitat by the Mediterranean monk seal along the coasts of Albania is here presented. This was confirmed through the use of infrared camera traps and by the findings of a seals’ scat, proving the use of two caves in the study area. The results of the analysis of the scat revealed the last meal (three fish species) as well as microplastics and other non-food items. The relevance of this research goes beyond national borders, providing essential upgraded information for the species in Albania, and it also represents important data on an Adriatic–Ionian Basin context for the protection and recovery of the species. ABSTRACT: Information on the habitat use of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) along the coast of Albania (Adriatic and Ionian Sea) has so far been limited to vague and generalised data. A survey conducted in the National Marine Park Karaburun-Sazan in the summer of 2019 identified two marine caves with morphological characteristics best suited for use by such species. The two caves were subsequently equipped with infrared camera traps in 2020. The recovery of a scat in one of the caves during the 2019 survey and the photographic material obtained confirmed the use of the cave. This research provides the first documentation of marine cave habitat use by the Mediterranean monk seal in Albania. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of specimens frequenting the area could not be performed due to the limited data obtained on seal presence along the Albanian coasts. Nevertheless, the retrieved information is relevant for Albania and for the species conservation. The collected scat was analysed for trophic and anthropogenic contamination data. Three species (gilthead sea bream, European sea bass, and garfish), as well as four anthropogenic items (including a piece of nylon net), were identified. The inferences resulting from the analyses of the data presented in this study provided additional information on the ecology of the species and its conservation priorities, which need to be contextualized at the Adriatic–Ionian regional scale.