This Greek island has a dark past. Now it's covered in rare seals

Key Points:

• Gyaros, once a notorious military prison and bombing range in the Aegean Sea, has transformed into a vital wildlife sanctuary, particularly for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal, following decades of human absence.
• The island's isolation and restricted human activity allowed a substantial colony of monk seals to thrive, with seals exhibiting rare natural behaviors such as nursing pups on open beaches, leading to Gyaros being declared a Marine Protected Area in 2019.
• Conservation efforts have extended to other species like the Yelkouan shearwater seabirds, whose significant colony on Gyaros faces threats from invasive rats and feral pigs, prompting urgent culling measures.
• Despite protections, challenges remain due to illegal fishing and limited enforcement capacity, highlighting the need for broader, integrated marine conservation strategies across the Mediterranean to ensure the long-term survival of vulnerable species.
• The participatory approach to Gyaros' protection, involving multiple stakeholders, serves as a model for future conservation initiatives, emphasizing collaboration and sustainable management of marine ecosystems.