What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to investigate the occurrence patterns of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal using eDNA analysis.

Spatial and temporal patterns of occurrence of the vulnerable Mediterranean monk seal in the Tyrrhenian Sea via seawater eDNA

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Reveals seasonal and spatial variations of monk seal presence in the Tyrrhenian Sea, suggesting effective monitoring strategies.

The aim is to investigate the occurrence patterns of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal using eDNA analysis.
Collected 288 seawater samples from 22 sites in the Tyrrhenian Sea from September 2023 to June 2025.
Utilized a species-specific eDNA qPCR assay to detect monk seal DNA in samples.
Analyzed spatial and temporal patterns of detection across different sectors.
Detected monk seal DNA in 7.6% of samples, primarily in Tuscan and Pontine Archipelagos.
Observed significant seasonal peaks in detections during spring and autumn, with lower detections in summer.
Found that spatial patterns correlate with suitable cave habitats and lower human impacts.

Giovannetti et al. (2026) studied this question.

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