A recent study published in the journal Oryx highlights the alarming behavior of Mediterranean monk seals, which have begun to retreat to secret underwater chambers known as 'bubble caves' to escape human disturbances. Once common on beaches, these seals now face significant threats from tourism and habitat destruction, leading to a drastic decline in their population to fewer than 1,000. Researchers from the Tethys Research Institute and the Octopus Foundation discovered these bubble caves near the Greek islet of Formicula while monitoring seal habitats. They found that the seals preferred these hidden chambers, using them on 119 out of 140 days, instead of larger caves that are more easily accessible. The remote cameras revealed seals engaging in peaceful behaviors such as sleeping and 'bottling,' where they drift vertically in the water. This behavior underscores the need for conservation strategies that extend beyond traditional habitats. Greece has begun creating restricted access areas and marine protected zones to safeguard monk seals, with hopes that these efforts will encourage the seals to return to their natural lounging spots on beaches.