very little is known of the mediterranean monk seal's reproduction. they are thought to be polygynous, with males being very territorial where they mate with females. although no breeding season exists, since births take place year round, a peak occurs in october and november. this is also the time when caves are prone to wash out due to high surf or storm surge, which causes high mortality rates among pups, especially at the key cabo blanco colony. pups make first contact with the water 2 weeks after their birth and are weaned around 18 weeks of age; females caring for pups go off to feed for an average of 9 hours. most individuals are believed to reach maturity at 4 years of age. the gestation period lasts close to a year. however, monk seals of the cabo blanco colony may have a gestation period lasting slightly longer than a year. mediterranean monk seals generally live to be 25 to 30 years old.