The deserted islands are for many centuries a refuge for sea lions. A mammal threatened with extinction has increased its numbers significantly in the archipelago of Madeira.

The colony of monk seals in Madeira Natural  Reserve is one of the youngest of all Europe. With a world population that encompasses approximately 300 individuals, therefore, are one of the most embattled species in the world, the group that currently resides in Desert Islands is considered a success due to three births per year. There currently are accounted for 30 of these aquatic animals and it is expected that the number will increase gradually. Growth which is not only resulted in the creation of appropriate legislation for the defense and protection of these mammals, is as well due to  the work carried out by scientific teams from the park and change of mindset. But it was not always so.
Populations of sea lions were once very numerous in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Sightings of these animals are back to the time when the island was discovered in the fifteenth century. According to reports of explorers,in  a bay on the south coast will have encountered some unknown animals that stretched along the beach and howled like wolves. This resulted in the current common name of this mammal and the name of that locality Madeira, Camara de Lobos. Over the centuries monachus monachus (scientific name) were subject to a very carnage for several reasons. Firstly, the demographic pressure exerted by the man with the habitats of these animals. After fishing, the monk seal and man share the same natural resource, the ocean, and even compete for the fish. With the expansion of fishing techniques, the use of explosives and harassment of fishermen towards this species, it was natural that their number had dwindled over time.
It took five centuries to understand the importance of these beautiful specimens into the ecosystem. Therefore, the fact that they are born more sea lions is already itself a clear sign of a healthy environmental system.  Already have been spotted these friendly animals on the coast of Madeira. However, be warned though they are very cute animals, they are still wild. There is a set of rules that must be respected to avoid an unpleasant confrontation. They bite when they felt threatened. You should never feed  these mammals, they  eat several pounds of fish and shellfish per day, so the snack that you considered acceptable for this animal is notinhg and its more likely tha you may annoy him. Do not try to fondle, it is not a dog! And even from a short distance try not to turn your  back to then at  sea, you never know, they are curious and playful and they  can come out of nowhere and that is a recipe for an unpleasant incident.

http://estacaochronographica.blogspot.com/2010/10/victorinox-apoia-focas-da-madeira_22.html

http://www.madeiranature.com/index/cms/page/-/page/Ilhas%2BDesertas/lang/pt