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Metabarcoding of mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) scats from the isolated population of Madeira reveals a diverse piscivorous diet
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The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, and information on its feeding ecology is needed to support conservation planning. Here, high-throughput DNA metabarcoding of scat samples from Madeira was used to characterise the diet of this geographically isolated population. Fourteen samples were analysed using universal fish primers targeting the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, enabling detection of both bony and cartilaginous fishes. Across samples, 38 prey taxa were identified, including records not previously reported in monk seal diet studies, such as Fistularia petimba, as well as cartilaginous fish such as Bathytoshia centroura, Dasyatis pastinaca, and Torpedo marmorata. Frequency of occurrence indicated a diet dominated by demersal and reef-associated taxa, with frequent detection of Sparidae, alongside evidence of opportunistic prey use. Overall, these results provide a high-resolution dietary profile for monk seals in Madeira and demonstrate the utility of scat metabarcoding for monitoring trophic ecology in small, threatened populations. This approach offers a scalable framework for assessing dietary shifts over time and informing adaptive management in human-impacted coastal ecosystems.
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Palavras-chave
Trophic Ecology DNA Metabarcoding Piscivory Conservation Genomics Pinniped
Contexto Educativo
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Licença CC
Sem licença CC