Threatened mammals of the Mediterranean

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Intergovernmental Meeting on
Mediterranean Specially
Protected Areas

Athens, 13-17 October 1980

Threatened Mammals of the Mediterranean

IN CO-OPERATION WITH:

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World Corservaion Monitoring Centra

THREATENED MAMMALS
OF

THE MEDITERRANEAN

prepared by Jane Thornback

Internattonal Unton for Conservatton of Nature and Natural Resources

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
1, INTRODUCTION 1
°, INDIVIDUAL DATA SHEETS
= Lutra lutra
= Genetta genetta
- Phocoena phocoena 7

= Balenaoptera physalus

- Cants Lupus Ul
- Felts pardtna 14
- Monachus monachus WL
- Cervus elaphus barbarus 1
- Cervus elaphus corstcanus es)
= Ovts ammon mustmon 8
- Gapra aegagrus oe

- Hystrtx ertstata 5

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge

http://www.archive.org/details/threatenedmammal1980thor

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8
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INTRODUCTION

The first and most important comment to be made about the mammal data
contained in this report is that it is very, very preliminary, and can
in no way be regarded as the definitive word on the subject. It is
more an indicator of the lack of data on file, which in many cases
reflects the lack of data in existence. This is the most important
message of the report - how little we know about the status of mammals
in the Mediterranean Basin. Of course there are exceptions, for
instance the Corsican Red Deer and the Mediterranean Mouflon.

The data included in this report were based on the IUCN Red Data Book*
and the Council of Europe's publication on threatened mammals** ,

with the premise that only the Mediterranean Sea and coastal areas are
to be covered. These were complemented and updated by library research
and correspondance with as many contacts in the region as could be
found.

Of the 12 species listed, only one is unquestionably a full species,

the distribution of which centers on the Mediterranean Basis and also

is highly endangered with extinction — the Mediterranean Monk Seal

(Monachus monachus). It numbers as few as 500-100 individuals and is highly
sensitive to human disturbance. Its survival or extinction is largely dependent on

tne actions of the Mediterranean countries. They can choose to save it,
or let it slide into the oblivion of extinction. The Pardel lynx

(Lynx pardina) is also endangered and possibly a full species endemic to
the region. However many authors consider it to be a subspecies of the
lynx (Lynx lynx), Three other taxa are endangered - the Corsican Red Deer
Cervus elaphus corsicanus), the Barbary Deer (Cervus elaphus barbarus)
and the Mediterranean Mouflon (Ovis ammon musimon). The full species of
Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is not threatened, although many of its
subspecies are; similarly the Mouflon (Ovis ammon), however the taxonomy
of all the Palaearctic sheep is as yet undecided, which therefore clouds
the status issue. Of the seven remaining taxa, data is so scant that

*TUCN Red Data Book, Mammalia

** Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. van 1976. Threatened Mammals in
Europe. Council of Europe Nature and Environment Series No. 10. Strasbourg

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their status can only be described as 'Insufficiently Known' i.e. possibly
threatened but too little data available to decide. With regard to the
Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus), it is even impossible to say whether any truly
wild populations still exist. The Cretan goat is considered the closest
to the truly wild state but some authors report that even this has bred
with domestic and feral goats in the past.

The main threat facing all the mammals of this region is undoubtedly the
increase in the human population, its expansion into previously remote
and undisturbed areas and its increased impact on the environment —
building, draining, ploughing, chopping, polluting, - and of particular
relevance to this report - tourism.

However, despite the overwhelming threats, some countries have already

taken action to conserve their animals. For example, the Corsican Red

Deer (Cervus elaphus corsicanus) is the subject of a conservation project

begun in 1979 after the completion of several years' field studies. The

plan includes not only the sustained management of the population in

Sardinia but also the reintroduction of the animal to Corsica where it

became extinct at the beginning of the 1970s. The Monk Seal (Monachus

monachus) is also the subject of an extensive conservation plan. An international
conference to discuss its problems and plan a strategy of recovery was

held in Rhodes, Greece in May 1978.

To conduct a programme for the conservation of mammals in the Mediterranean
Basin, the following are needed:

‘1) A checklist of all the mammals that occur in the region should be
compiled.

2) It must be determined what is already known about the status of each
of these species.

3) Field studies should be undertaken to supply information that is not
already known, and should indicate which species are truly
threatened. This information could be published as National Red Data
Books.

4) Conservation plans should then be drawn up for each threatened
species, and should be given adequate financial support by both
national and international organisations so as to ensure success.
Undoubtedly the major component of any plan will be the establishment
of national parks and protected areas. However, in the long term,
the survival of species will depend on people's desire to have them
around, and hence to appreciate their worth - be it scientific,
aesthetic or economic and this can only depend on environmental
education programmes.

Any information about species, or the names and addresses of contacts
would be greatly appreciated and should be sent to:

Jane Thornback

Compiler IUCN Mammal Red Data Book
219(c) Huntingdon Road

Cambridge CB3 ODL

England

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EUROPEAN OTTER
Lutra lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758)
Order CARNIVORA Family MUSTELIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, probably
Albania, Turkey, the Middle East as far as Israel, and in northwest Africa -

Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia (1;4;5;6).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Europe including the British Isles, Asia Minor,

and medium latitudes of Siberia (1;5).

POPULATION Unknown.

HABITAT Aquatic: lakes, rivers, streams, marshes and sea shores. Optimal
habitat is one which provides a good supply of easily caught fish and

undisturbed cover for resting and breeding (2;3).

THREATS Habitat loss due to drainage of lakes and marshes, clearance of
bankside vegetation, concentration of human settlements along river, lake and
sea shores and pollution by industrial and agricultural wastes. Hunting for

its fur. General human disturbance (4).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN The species as a whole is listed in Appendix 1 of
the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
and Flora, trade in it or its products between acceding nations thus being
subject to severe restriction, trade for primarily commercial purposes banned.
Protected by law in Spain, France, Italy and Israel. Protective measures

elsewhere unknown.

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CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Legal protection where necessary. Protection

of habitat by establishment of reserves.

REFERENCES 1. Ellerman, J.R. and Morrison-Scott, T.C.S. 1951. Checklist of

Palaearctic and Indian Mammals. 1758-1946. British Museum

(Natural History), London.

2. Erlinge, S. 1967. Food habits of the fish-otter, Lutra lutra

L., in South Swedish habitats. Viltrevy 4: 371-443.

3. King, A., Ottoway, J. and Potter, A. 1976. The Declining
Otter. A Guide to its Conservation. Friends of the Earth

Otter Campaign.

4. Smit, C.J. and van Wijngaarden, A. 1976. Threatened Mammals
in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10. European
Committee for the Conservation of Nature and Natural

Resources, Council of Europe.

5. Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.
British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press.

London and Ithaca.

6. Clarke, J.E. 1977. A Preliminary List of Jordan's Mammals.

The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Amman.

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GENET
Genetta genetta Linnaeus, 1758
Order CARNIVORA ’ Family VIVERRIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: France, Spain, Majorca, Palestine and N. Africa from
Morocco to Cyrenaica in Libya (3), and possibly Egypt (6). Other authors

include Ibiza and Menorca (1;4;5;6).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Africa, in savanna zones south of the

Sahara (3).

POPULATION Unknown. Never occurs at high density, and is normally

inconspicuous.

HABITAT Mainly rocky, wooded areas (1;2) with streams (1;4); ravine sides,

mountain woods, steep river banks (4).

THREATS Persecuted as a pest of game birds and poultry (2). In France
several hundred are killed each year (6). Their winter pelt,in particular,

is highly esteemed (6).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Fully protected in France but not on the

Iberian peninsula (2). Legal status elsewhere unknown.

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Much more information is needed on the status

of this species. Smit and Wijngaarden state that protection is needed in

Spain (2).

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REFERENCES

iBS

Van den Brink, F.H. 1967. A Field Guide to the Mammals of

Britain and Europe. Collins, London.

Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. van. 1976. Threatened
Mammals in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10.

Council of Europe, Strasbourg.

Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.
British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press.

London and Ithaca.

Hainard, R. 1949. Les Mammiferes sauvages d'Europe.

Delachaux and Niestle, Neuchatel and Paris.

Ellerman, J.R. and Morrison-Scott, T.C.S. i951. Checklist

of Palaearctic and Indian Mammals 1758 to 1946. British

Museum (Nat. Hist.) , London.

Schauenberg, P. 1966. La Genette vulgaire (Genetta genetta,
4
L.). Repartition géographique en Europe. Mammalia 30 (3):

S39 Gre

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COMMON or HARBOUR PORPOISE
Phocoena phocoena Linnaeus, 1758
Order CETACEA Family PHOCAENIDAE

DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION

Mediterranean Area: Status uncertain. Believed to occur in the Mediterranean
but data sporadic. Absent from French waters and only one stranding record
(Gibraltar area pre-1914) in Spanish waters, though said to be common there.
Reported to be uncommon on Moroccan coasts and in Italian waters. Reported

from Greek waters but there is apparently no specific record (1).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Arctic, North Atlantic Oceans and North
Pacific.Also in Black and Azov Seas (which is believed to be a separate population

from the Mediterranean) (3;4).

HABITAT Coastal zones, avoiding the open sea and frequently enters rivers (2).

THREATS As a coastal species it is exposed to pollution and disturbance (2).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Listed in Appendix 2 of the 1973 Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, trade in it
between acceding nations being therefore subject to regulation and monitoring

of its effects. Reported to be protected by law in Italy, France and Turkey

(2).

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Legal protection and enforcement. Regulations

on marine pollution.

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REFERENCES

KG

. *
Brown, S. (Sea Mammal Research Unit). February 1980, pers.

comm.

Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. van 1976. Threatened Mammals

in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10. Council of

Europe, Strasbourg.

Mitchell, E. 1975. Porpoise, Dolphin and Small Whale

Fisheries of the World. IUCN Monograph No. 3.

Gaskin, D.E., Arnold, D. and Blair, B.A. 1974. Phocoena

phocoena. Mamm. Spec. 42: 1-8.

* Sea Mammal Research Unit
British Antarctic Survey
Madingley Road
Cambridge CB3 OET
United Kingdom

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COMMON RORQUAL
Balaenoptera physalus Linnaeus, 1758
Order CETACEA Family BALAENOPTERIDAE

DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION

Mediterranean Area: Regarded by some authorities as the most common fin whale
in the region. Reported more frequently in the western half than the
eastern half and this probably indicates the real density of distribution
but it may also reflect better reporting in the western half. In the 1920s
the whaling station at Getares (near Gibraltar) caught fin whales throughout
the year and it has been suggested that this area was a breeding ground in
the winter months and a feeding ground in the summer months. Fin whales are
reported to occur frequently in the Ligurian Sea off northern Italy, and
recent strandings in this region are concentrated in September. It is
uncertain whether fin whales in the Mediterranean belong partly or wholly to
a separate stock from those in the North Atlantic, and also whether some or
all of them migrate annually into or out of Mediterranean. Iodine values for
oil from the animals taken at Getares suggested that they were separate from

fin whales taken elsewhere in the North Atlantic (1).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Reported from all the oceans of the world;

does not however penetrate the warmer latitudes (4).
HABITAT As plankton feeding animals, fin whales tend to change their
distribution in latitude and longitude in keeping with shifts in food supplies.

(2; 4),.

THREATS The Mediterranean population is in some danger from pollution (2;4).

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Heavy metal ions from waste dumped by industrial plant barges pollute the
waters around Corsica. These waters are rich in euphausiids and fin whales
following these become contaminated and either die or become debilitated
and hence more susceptible to being struck by the increasingly large numbers
of boats in the area (3;4). Reason for decline throughout its range was

excessive whaling (4).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN The Mediterranean stock is listed in Appendix 1
of the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora, any trade in it or its products therefore being subject to
strict regulation by ratifying nations and trade for primarily commerical
purposes banned. Protected by the IWC (4). WWF-Italy has a project to

census sightings and stranded animals.

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Prevention of marine pollution. Full

protection against whaling.

REFERENCES 1. Brown, S. February 1980, pers. comm.

2. Jonsgaard, A. 1966. Biology of the North Atlantic Fin Whale,
Balaenoptera physalus (L). Taxonomy, distribution, migration

and food. Hvalradets skrifter. 49.

3. Viale, D. 1976. Etude des Cetaces en Mediterranee Occidentale.

FAO Report ACMRR/MM/SC/122.

4. Nature Conservancy Council. 1979. Proposals concerning the
Cetacea. Second Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), San Jose (Costa Rica) March 1979.

Published by the Nature Conservancy Council, London.

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WOLF
Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758

Order CARNIVORA Family CANIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: Spain, Italy, Yugoslavia, Greece (possibly Albania),

Turkey, and the Middle East as far as the Sinai (1).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Fennoscandia; across Russia to the Pacific
; fe) ‘
and south to approximately 20 N latitude. Also North America south to

northern Mexico (1;2;3).

POPULATION Total numbers unknown.

Spain: endangered (2).

Italy: endangered, about 100-150 (2;5).

Yugoslavia, Greece and Turkey: viable populations (2).
Jordan: much rarer than formerly (8).

Israel: over 200 and increasing (7).

No data located for Albania, Syria, Lebanon or Egypt (Sinai).

HABITAT Occurs in most northern latitude habitats - from forest to open

plains (1;2;3).

THREATS Exterminated over large areas due to habitat loss to human settlement,
agriculture, etc. Also persecuted because of stock depredations, and a

generally unfounded fear of attacks on humans (2; 34; 6).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Listed in Appendix 2 of the 1973 Convention on

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International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, trade in it
between acceding nations being subject to regulation and monitoring of its
effects. Totally protected in Italy (5) Israel (7), two Yugoslavian republics
(6), and in Spain receives partial protection (6). In Italy the species has

been the subject of a WWF research and conservation programme (5).

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED The Wolf Specialist Group of IUCN's Survival

Service Commission, in Stockholm in September 1973, made recommendations for
wolf conservation that include the following: 1) Full protection should be
accorded to surviving populations that are endangered regionally, nationally,
or internationally; 2) Each country should define areas suitable for the
existence of wolves and enact suitable legislation to perpetuate the
population or to facilitate reintroductions; 3) In wolf management programmes,
the use of poisons, bounty systems and sport hunting using mechanised vehicles
should be prohibited; 4) Consideration should be given to payment of
compensation for damage caused by wolves; 5) Suitable wolf habitats should be
restored, including the reintroduction of large herbivores; 6) Extensive
economic development should be excluded from designated wolf conservation
areas; 7) National legislation should be enacted to require the registration
of each wolf killed. Additional recommendations were made on the need for
conventional and adult education, scientific research and international

co-operation in research and management (2).

REFERENCES 1. Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.

British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press.

London and Ithaca.

2. Pimlott, D.H. (ed.). 1975. Wolves. Proceedings of the First
Working Meeting of Wolf Specialists and of the First

International Conference on Conservation of the Wolf, 5-6

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Sept. 1973, Stockholm. IUCN Supplementary Paper No. 43.

Mech, L.D. 1970. The Wolf. Natural History Press. Garden

City, N.Y.

Mech, L.D. Canis lupus. Am. Soc. Mammalogists Mammalian

Species 37: 1-6.

Boitani, L. 1980. Wolf Conservation in Areas of Intensive
Land-Use in Italy. Proceedings of a Wolf Symposium,

Edinburgh, April 1978. In Press.

Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. van. 1976. Threatened
Mammals in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10.

Council of Europe, Strasbourg.

Yoffe, A. February 1980, pers. comm.

Clarke, J.E. 1977. A Preliminary List of Jordan's Mammals.

Unpublished Ms. The Royal Society for the Conservation of

Nature, Amman.

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SPANISH LYNX
Felis pardina (Temminck, 1824)

Order CARNIVORA Family FELIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: Spain, where it is now confined to isolated, mainly

mountainous areas in central and southern regions (1;4;5).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Portugal (3; 8).

POPULATION About 1000. In recent years has disappeared from large areas of
Salamanca, Avila, CAceres, Badajoz and Toledo; largest concentrations are
approximately 600 in the Montes de Toledo area and about 300 in the Sierra

Morena area (4).
HABITAT Thicket which is not too dense, eg has scattered rocks or trees.

THREATS Decline due to habitat loss, myxomatosis affecting its principal prey,
the rabbit, and incidental killing in traps set for rabbits and other game, and
during big and small game hunts (2;4;7). Major threat throughout the Iberian

peninsula is now habitat destruction by large-scale reforestation, particularly

with eucalyptus and pines (6).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Listed in Appendix 2 of the 1973 Convention on

International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, trade in it
between acceding nations being therefore subject to regulation and monitoring
of its effects. Protected by law in Spain and in 1968 the Spanish Government

accepted ‘ultimate responsibility’ for the conservation of the species. Occurs

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‘ ~ : ; f
in the Donana National Park and also in Las Batuencas National Hunting

Reserve (5).

.

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Stricter control of forest planting in lynx

habitat and prohibition of traps, snares and poisons in lynx localities.

REMARKS The Pardel Lynx is regarded by some authorities as a subspecies of
Felis lynx (3;8), and both are also sometimes separated at generic level under

the name Lynx.
REFERENCES 1. Delibes, M. 1977, pers. comm.
2. Delibes, M., Palacios, F., Garzon, J. and Castroviejo, J.
1975. Notes sur l'alimentation et la biologie du Lynx
pardelle, Lynx pardina (Temminck, 1824) en Espagne.
Mammalia 39 (3): 387-393.
3. Ellerman, J.R. and Morrison-Scott, T.C.S. 1951. Checklist
of Palaearctic and Indian Mammals 1758 to 1946. British

Museum (Natural History), London.

4. Garzon, J. 1973. Present status of the Mediterranean Lynx
in Iberia. II Coloquio Espanol de Mastozoologia, Leon,
13-15th December 1973.

5. Garzon, J. 1978, pers. comm.

6. Palma, L. 1978, pers. comm.

4
7. Valverde, J.A. 1963. Informacion sobre al lince en Espana.

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Boletin No. 1 del Servicio Nacional de Pesca Fluvial y Caza.

Madrid.

8. Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.

British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University

Press. London and Ithaca.

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MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL
Monachus monachus’ (Hermann, 1779)
Order PINNIPEDIA Family PHOCIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: Mediterranean Sea, three centres of concentration i) Aegean
Sea ii) north African coasts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya iii) the
eastern Mediterranean along the coasts of south-central Turkey, Cyprus and

Lebanon (23 7).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: In the Atlantic off northwest Africa and in the

Black Sea along Turkish and Bulgarian coasts (3 78 Os

POPULATION 500-1000 and steadily declining towards extinction (2; 6; 7).

Greatest numbers occur in the eastern Aegean Sea (2; 7).

HABITAT Archipelagos, especially with small islands, often uninhabitable by

man because of water shortage; and cliffbound mainland coastlines. Habitat
therefore tends to be rocky coasts or cliffs enclosing small sand or pebble
beaches for resting, and caves with entrances above or below water (2), Reports
from classical to modern times suggest the seal once frequented sandy coastlines
and islands and most authorities consider its present liking for caves the

result of persecution and disturbance by man (1; 2).

THREATS Loss of undisturbed habitat. Human disturbance e.g. tourism, increased
urbanisation of the coast, fishing (by nets, harpoons and the use of
organochlorides) now prevails throughout much of the seal's range and leaves few

undisturbed areas for the species to feed and breed. Scientists believe that

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insufficient recruitment to the population rather than increased mortality is
causing the continual decline in numbers. Disturbance forces the seals to
abandon former habitats and is thought to be seriously reducing the

reproductive rate through abortions and severance of the maternal bond. The
effect of marine pollution is unknown but toxic chemicals may have a detrimental
influence, and oil is known to enter caves. Increasing isolation of seal

groups causes concern for the future (1; 2; 3; 7).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN The species is listed in Appendix 1 of the 1973
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora, any trade in it or its products therefore being subject to strict
regulation by ratifying nations and trade for primarily commerical purposes
banned. Also listed in Class A of the 1969 African Convention, which means
it may only be hunted or collected in the national interest or for scientific
purposes with the permission of the highest competent authority. Protected
by law in Algeria, Yugoslavia, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. Not
protected by law in Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey or Greece. Legal
status in other countries unknown (6). A protection area for the Monk seal
has been established around the Isle of Montecristo, Italy (9 ), and the Banc
d'Arguin National Park in Mauritania has been inaugurated. The WWF has
launched a conservation project to conserve the species in the Mediterranean
generally (4). A conference on its biology, ecology and conservation was
held on Rhodes, Greece, in May 1978; the Proceedings were published
in 1979 and provide a thorough account of the present knowledge of this seal

(De

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Legal protection in all countries of its past
and present distribution. Effective protection especially necessary in
Algeria, Greece, Mauritania and Turkey, where major surviving stocks are

located. Establishment of national programmes for monk seal conservation

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page 19
suggested (7), Most important is the establishment of a network of reserves,
which must be totally free of disturbance at all seasons, chiefly to

guarantee reproduction @s 7)

REFERENCES 1. Bareham, J.R. and Fureddu, A. 1975. Observations on the Use
of Grottos by Mediterranean Monk Seals. J. Zool. Lond. 175:

291-298.

2. Sergeant, D., Ronald, K., Boulva, J. and Berkes, F. 1978.
The Recent Status of Monachus monachus, the Mediterranean
monk seal. Working Paper No. 1. First International
Conference on the Mediterranean Monk Seal. (UNEP Technical

Series Vol. 1. 1979).

3. Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. van. 1976. Threatened Mammals
in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10, Council of

Europe, Strasbourg.

4. World Wildlife Fund Project 1118. Morges.

5. Ronald, K. and Duguy, R. (eds.) 1979. The Mediterranean Monk
Seal. Proceedings of the First International Conference.
Rhodes, Greece, 2-5 May 1978. UNEP Technical Series, Volume

1. Pergamon Press.

6. Ronald, K. and Duguy, R. (eds.). 1979. Summary Report.In the
Mediterranean Monk Seal. Proceedings of the First International

Conference. Rhodes, Greece, 2-5 May 1978. UNEP Technical

Series, Volume 1. Pergamon Press.

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Ronald, K. and Duguy, R. (eds.). 1979. Plan of Action for

the Conservation of the Monk Seal (Monachus monachus). In

The Mediterranean Monk Seal. Proceedings of the First
International Conference. Rhodes, Greece, 2-5 May 1978.

UNEP Technical Series, Volume 1. Pergamon Press.

Berkes, F., Anat, H., Esenel, M. and Kislalioglu, M. 1979.
Distribution and Ecology of Monachus monachus on Turkish
Coasts. In The Mediterranean Monk Seal. Proceedings of the
First International Conference. Rhodes, Greece, 2-5 May 1978.

UNEP Technical Series, Volume 1. Pergamon Press.

Anon. 1979. Italy. Council of Europe Newsletter No. 79 - 5.

Bo is

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BARBARY STAG or ATLAS DEER
Cervus elaphus barbarus (Bennett, 1833)
Order ARTIODACTYLA Family CERVIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: Algerian and Tunisian border area from the coast to a

little way inland (1;8;9;11;12;14).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: None.

POPULATION Almost certainly less than 1000, and possibly less than 500

(S511; 22; 14).

HABITAT Cork-oak, pine, cedar and timber-oak forests (3;11).

THREATS) Poaching ((5i71/3);'1'5)) -

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Included in Class A of the African Convention (1969)

i.e. it may be hunted or collected only on the authorization of the highest
competent authority, if required in the national interest or for scientific
purposes. Legally protected against hunting and trade in both Algeria and
Tunisia but there has been insufficient enforcement in the past (9;11). In 1966
several deer crossed over the border from Algeria to Tunisia because of severe
persecution in Algeria. The Tunisian Forest Service, helped by the German-
Tunisian Society, fenced a large area of forest at El Feidja, near Ghardimaou,
and a number of deer were driven into it (8;15). In 1972 Meyer reported that

hunting in the reserve was forbidden and a warden had been stationed in the

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reserve (10). Since then deer numbers in the enclosures have increased (9).
A small enclosure was also set up at Ain Bacouch near Tabarka (8). In
Algeria, deer occur in the D.R.S. Parc de Seraida near Annaba (6;7), and in

El Ouach (2,000 ha.) a fenced area in the Beni-Salah Forest (ll).

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Needs good protection against poaching and
effective protection in reserves. Reintroduction into protected areas in
Morocco is a possibility (16). Hunkeler has made some specific recommendations

for improvements to the El Ouach enclosed area in Algeria (11).

REMARKS Corbet (1978) follows Flerov (1952) by including the Barbary Deer in
the subspecies C. e. corsicanus along with the Red Deer of Sardinia and S.

Spain (17;18).

REFERENCES 1. Harper, F. 1945. Extinct and Vanishing Mammals of the Old

World. Spec. Publ. Amer. Comm. Int. Wildlife Protection

No. 12..849 pp.

2. IUCN. 1966. Red Data Book. Volume 1. Mammalia. Sheet Code

MA/119/CERVU/ELA/BAR.

3. Riney, T. 1964. Potential Use of the Wildlife Resource on

Tunisian Forest Lands. Mimeo. 21 pp. FAO Rome.

4. Blondel, J. 23 March 1964, pers. comm.

5. Schomber, H.-W. and Kock, D. 1960. The Wild Life of
Tunisia. Part 2 - Some Larger Mammals. Afr. Wild Life 14 (4):

PVA 6

10.

ILS

UZ o

Se

14.

156

UNEP/IG. 20/INF.8
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Benhouhou, L. 1971/2, pers. comm.

Messaoud, A. ben. 1971/2, pers. comm.

Willan, R.G.M. 1973. Tunisia's Wildlife. Oryx 12 (1):

74-76.

McTaggart Cowan, I. and Holloway, C.W. 1978. Geographical
Location and Current Conservation Status of the Threatened
Deer of the World. In: Threatened Deer. Proceedings of a
Working Meeting of the Deer Specialist Group of the

Survival Service Commission of IUCN. IUCN, Morges, Switzerland.

Meyer, P. 1972. Zur Biologie und Okologie des Atlashirsches

Cervus elaphus barbarus, 1833. Z.f.Saugetierk 37: 101-116.

Hunkeler, P. 1978. Conservation du Cerf de Barbarie dans la

For@€t des Beni-Salah. IUCN Report. 10 pp.

Halisse, A. 1975. Amenagement cynegetique de la Reserve El

Oubeira, El Kala. Mimeo. 48 pp.

Schomber, H.-W. and Kock, D. 1961. Wild Life Protection and

Hunting in Tunisia. African Wild Life 15 (2): 137-150.

IUCN. 1976. Deer Specialist Group Newsletter No. 2. Morges,

Switzerland.

Anon. 1966. Scheme to Save the Atlas Deer. Oryx 8 (6): 334-335.

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8

page 24

16.

Tie

18.

Jungius, H. 1978. Criteria for the Reintroduction of
Threatened Species into Parts of Their Former Range. In
"Threatened Deer' Proceedings of a Working Meeting of the
Deer Specialist Group of the SSC of IUCN. IUCN, Morges,

Switzerland.

Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.
British Museum (Natural History), Cornell University Press.

London and Ithaca.

Flerov, K.K. 1952. Fauna of the USSR Mammals. Vol. 1. Musk
Deer and Deer. Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow.
English translation Office of Technical Services, US Dept.

of Commerce, Washington.

UNEP/IG. 20/INF.8
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CORSICAN RED DEER

Cervus elaphus corsicanus (Erxleben, 1777)

Order ARTIODACTYLA ‘ Family CERVIDAE

DISTRIBUTION
Mediterranean Area: Southern Sardinia (Italian) (2;3;7). Became extinct in

Corsica in 1969/70 (7;9).

Outside the Mediterranean Area: None.

POPULATION 1977/78 estimated total of less than 250 and probably stable in

trend (5;7).

HABITAT Maquis, broadleaf and coniferous woodland and meadows, but now occurs

mainly in mountainous areas (1;2).

THREATS Poaching and habitat loss (1;2;5;7).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Partially protected by law in Sardinia, shooting
in the hunting season is still permitted outside reserves (5). In the 1978/

79 hunting season, penalties for deer poachers increased appreciably - to
4,000,000 lire (7). About two-thirds of the deer's Sardinian range occurs

in State Forests where every hunting activity is strictly forbidden, or in
private game reserves (7) and in these it receives permanent, though still
insufficient, surveillance by forest guards and gamekeepers (7). Field studies
have been undertaken in Sardinia and a conservation project was begun in 1979
(1;4;5;6;7). This will include reintroduction into Corsica, and contact

between Corsican and Sardinian authorities has already occurred (7).

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8
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CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Enforcement of legal protection; full support

to the conservation project already begun.

REMARKS Corbet (1978) follows Flerov (1952) by including the Red Deer of

S. Spain and N.W. Africa in the subspecies C. e. corsicanus (3).

REFERENCES 1. Jenkins, D. 1967. Red Deer in Sardinia. Report to the Council

of the Italian World Wildlife Fund. Mimeo. . 20 pp.

2. Massoli-Novelli, R. 1975. Attuale Distribuzione del Cervo
Sardo e del Muflone Sardo in Sardegna e loro Prospettive di
Tutela. Ann. del Laboratorio di Zool. Applic. alla Caccia.

Bologna.

3. Massoli-Novelli, R. 1975/76. Scomparsa del Cervo Sardo in
Corsica - Analisi dellee Reciproche Experienze di Gestione
Faunistica: in Sardegna ed in Corsica. Una Vita per la

Natura ll. WWF. Rome.

4. Pratesi, F. and Vella, R. 1968. Red Deer in Sardinia II.
Report to the Council of the Italian World Wildlife Fund.

Mimeo. 7 pp.

5. McTaggart Cowan, I. and Holloway, C.W. 1978. Geographical
Location and Current Conservation Status of the Threatened
Deer of the World. In 'Threatened Deer. Proceedings of a
Working Meeting of the Deer Specialist Group of the

Survival Service Commission'. IUCN Morges, Switzerland.

6. Jenkins, D. 1968. No. 267. Corsican Red Deer - Preliminary

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Survey and Protection Programme in Sardinia. The Ark Under Way.

Second Report of the World Wildlife Fund. pp. 65-66.

Schenk, H. 1978. The Red Deer (Cervus elaphus corsicanus) in
Sardinia and Corsica - Research and Conservation Programme.

Report to IUCN. 30th December 1978.

Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region

British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell

University Press, London and Ithaca.

Pfeffer, P. 1980, pers. comm.

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8
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MEDITERRANEAN MOUFLON

Ovis ammon musimon (Schreber, 1782)

Order ARTIODACTYLA Family BOVIDAE

DISTRIBUTION
Mediterranean Area: Corsica, Sardinia and Cyprus (1;2;3;4;5;6;7;11).

Outside the Mediterranean area: None

POPULATION

Corsica: about 300-400 and increasing (10).
Sardinia: in 1976 estimated at no more than 250-300 and probably less; declining (U2)
Cyprus: estimated number throughout the 1970s has been about 200 and believed

stable (1;2;3;13).:

HABITAT Sub-climax Mediterranean scrub and grasslands, usually at high altitudes

among rocks and scree; also coniferous and deciduous woodland fringes (4;8;9).

THREATS Decline caused by poaching; and this plus deterioration of habitat
by stock grazing, burning of vegetation and opening up of formerly inaccessible

mountain areas with new roads contitute the present threats (Ae Saab).

CONSE
RVATION MEASURES TAKEN The Cyprus population of the mouflon (listed under the
name of Ovis orientalis ophion) is included in Appendix 1 of the 1973 Convention on

In : E :
ternational Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, trade in it or
,

ait i i
S products between acceding nations thus being subject to severe restriction
,

trade for primarily commercial purposes banned.

UNEP/IG. 20/INF.8
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species as a whole is listed in Appendix 2 of the 1973 Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, trade in
it between acceding nations being therefore subject to regulation and
monitoring of its effects. Totally protected by law on all three islands
and the Cyprus Government has accepted 'Ultimate Responsibility’ for the
survival of the Cyprian population. Reserves exist on Corsica and Cyprus to
protect it, but there is none on Sardinia (1;12). The mouflon on Corsica
was the subject of a detailed etho-ecological study in the 1960s (4), and on

Cyprus its conservation is the subject of a conservation plan (13).

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED In Sardinia, needs better protection against
poaching, plus the establishment of a reserve (preferably in the Gennargentu/
Supramonte area) (12). Introduction of hybrid mouflon and others of unknown

origin must be avoided.

REMARKS There is much disagreement over the taxonomy of Mediterranean Mouflon -
this data sheet follows Pfeffer (4) and Corbet (7). Alternative names are:-

Ovis musimon for Corsica and Sardinia, and Ovis orientalis ophion for Cyprus.

Nadler et al. (1973) based on cyteogenetic data have O. musimon musim for Sardinia

and O. m. ophion for Cyprus (14).

REFERENCES 1. Van Haaften, J.L. 1973. The Mouflon of the Mediterranean

Region. Mimeo. 4 pp.

2. Massoli-Novelli, R. 1975. Attuale Distribuzione del Cervo
Sardo e del Muflone Sardo in Sardegna e lore Prospettive di

Tutela. Ann. de Laboratorio di Zool. Applic. alla Caccia.

Bologna.

3. Haaften, J.L. van 1971. Study on the Situation of the Mouflon

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8

page 30

10.

ale

in Cyprus and Turkey. Working party on Flora, Fauna and
Landscapes. Strasbourg 15-17 March 1971. European
Committee for the Conservation of Nature and Natural

Resources. Council of Europe.

Pfeffer, P. 1969. Le Mouflon de Corse (Ovis ammon musimon
Schreber 1782); Position Systematique, Ecologie et

Ethnologie Comparés. Mammalia 31 supplement: 1-262.

Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. Van 1976. Threatened
Mammals in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10

Council of Europe.
Leontiades, L.I. 1969. Game and Wildlife Management in
Cyprus. Report. Eley Game Advisory Station, Fordingbridge,

Hants., UK.

Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.

British Museum (Natural History) and

Cornell University Press. London and Ithaca.

Seraphim, G.M. 1964, pers. comm.

Biddulph, Lt. Col. J. 1884. On the Wild Sheep of Cyprus.

Proc. Zool Soc. London: 593-

Pfeffer, P. February 1980, pers. comm.

Massoli-Novelli, R. 1975. Disappearance of the Red Deer and

Present Plight of the Mouflon in Corsica. International

a2

W3}G

14.

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8
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Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation. Twenty-second
Triennial General Assembly. Paris - Chambord, 2-4 September

1975.

Anon. 1976. I1 Muflone di Sardegna: importanza, stato
attuale e problemi di conservazione. S.O.S. Fauna.

Animali in Pericolo in Italia. WWF (Italy).

WWF. 1978. Cyprus - Conservation of the Mouflon. WWF

Monthly Report. July 1978. P.6.

Nadler, C.R. Korobitsina, K.V., Hoffmann, R.S. and Vorontsov,
N.N. 1973. Cytogenetic Differentiation, Geographic Distribution,
and Dometication in Palaearctic Sheep (Ovis). Sonderdruck aus

z.f£. Saugetierkunde Bd. 38 H.2, S. 109-125.

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WILD GOAT

Capra aegagrus Erxleben, 1777

Order ARTIODACTYLA Family BOVIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: Greece (on some Aegean Islands and western Crete - also
introduced to Theodorou, Agii Pantes and Dias just off Crete) and Turkey
(5;6). However even these populations are thought to have bred with

domestic goats ( 6; 7), thus whether any true wild goats still exist is

questionable.

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Mountains from Caucasus to Kopet Dag,

W. Afghanistan, Baluchistan and Sind; isolates in Oman (3;5).

POPULATION Total number unknown. Crete and surrounding Islands: less than
1000 (2;6;8). Numbers and status elsewhere confused because of crossbreeding

between wild and domestic goats.

HABITAT Maquis in mountainous areas (1;2).

THREATS Poaching and hybridization with domestic goats (2;4;6;8).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Legally protected in Greece and Turkey, but Smit
and Wijngaarden report excessive poaching due to difficulties of surveillance
in isolated mountainous regions (2). Crete has a reserve of 3000 ha., and
goats have been introduced to islands off Crete which thus serve as goat
reserves (2;6). A study was conducted on Theodorou by N. Papageorgiou in

1973; he suggested various measures to improve the chances for the long-term

UNEP/IG. 20/INF.8
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survival of the goat on the island (6). Possibly occurs in the Uludag

National Park in Turkey (2).

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Needs effective protection against poaching

(2). Research is needed to study the extent of hybridization.

REMARKS Because of the difficulty of knowing whether any goat populations
are true wild stock it is difficult to summarize distribution, status and

conservation measures.

REFERENCES 1. van den Brink, F.H. 1967. A field guide to the mammals of

Britain and Europe. Collins, London.

2. Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. van 1976. Threatened Mammals
in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10. Council of
Europe, Strasbourg.

3. Harrisson, D.L. 1968. The Mammals of Arabia. London: Ernest Benn.

4. Hainard, R. 1949. Les Mammiféres Sauvages d'Europe.

Delachaux and Niestlé, Neuchatel and Paris.

5. Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.
British Museum (Natural History) and Corne]1 University

Press. London and Ithaca.

6. Papageorgiou, N. 1979. Population Energy Relationships of
the Agrimi (Capra aegagrus cretica) on Theodorou Island,
Greece. Mammalia Depicta. Verlag Paul Parey, Hamburg und

Berlin.

7. Danford, C.G. 1875. Notes on the Wild Goat, Capra aegagrus,

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8
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Gm. Proc. Zool. Soc. London: 458-468.

8. Papadopoulos, P. 1970s. Chamois of Greece. Mimeo.

UNEP/IG.°O/INF.8

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CRESTED PORCUPINE
Hystrix cristata Linnaeus, 1758
Order RODENTIA Family HYSTRICIDAE

DISTRIBUTION

Mediterranean Area: North Africa (Morocco to Libya and probably Egypt),
Sicily, Italy, Albania and N. Greece (5). Possibly southern Yugoslavia (1;2).
The Italian population is believed to be a human introduction, possibly by the

Romans (3;4;6). To the extent that the porcupine occurs in the Balkan peninsula,

it is again thought to have been introduced, but at a much more recent date.

Outside the Mediterranean Area: Africa south of the Sahara, in steppe and

Savanna zones from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia and northern Tanzania (5).

POPULATION Unknown. Smit’ and Wijngaarden (1976) report its numbers seem to
be decreasing in Europe and that it is already rare in many regions (3). No

population data has been located for other countries.

HABITAT Open woodland and dry scrub (1).

THREATS Persecuted as an agricultural pest and in some areas hunted for its

meat (1;3).

CONSERVATION MEASURES TAKEN Protected to some extent in Italy (3). No other

protection measures known.

CONSERVATION MEASURES PROPOSED Smit and Wijngaarden state that total protection

against any kind of persecution is needed for some time to come (3). They also

UNEP/IG.20/INF.8
page 36

think that a study should be performed to determine the amount of damage
porcupines actually do (3). More information is needed on its distribution

and status within the Mediterranean basin.

REFERENCES 1. Corbet, G.B. 1966. The Terrestrial Mammals of Western

Europe. G.T. Foulis and Co. Ltd. London.

2. Brink, F.H. van den 1967. A Field Guide to the Mammals of

Britain and Europe. Collins, London.
3. Smit, C.J. and Wijngaarden, A. van 1976. Threatened Mammals
in Europe. Nature and Environment Series No. 10,Council of

Europe, Strasbourg.

4. Hainard, R. 1949. Les Mammiféres Sauvages d'Europe.

Delachaux and Niestle S.A. Neuchatel and Paris.

5. Corbet, G.B. 1978. The Mammals of the Palaearctic Region.

British Museum (Natural History) and Cornell University Press.

London and Ithaca.

6. Corbet, G.B. and Jones, L.A. 1965. The Specific Characters of
the Crested Porcupines, subgenus Hystrix. Proc. Zool. Soc.

Lond. 144 (2): 285-300.