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Hawaiian Monk seal

Monachus schauinslandi

Description:

The Hawaiian monk seal is an endangered earless seal that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Known to the native Hawaiians as ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua, or "dog that runs in rough water. Its common name comes from the short hairs on its head resembling a monk. Coincidentally, they also act like monks in that they are solitary animals. The Hawaiian monk seal is one of only two remaining monk seal species; the other is the Mediterranean monk seal. A third species, the Caribbean monk seal, is extinct. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii. Its grey coat, white belly, and slender physique distinguish them from their cousin, the Harbor seal (Phoca ‘’vitulina’’). The monk seal’s physique is ideal for hunting its prey: fish, lobster, octopus and squid in deep-water coral beds. When the Hawaiian monk seal is not spending its time hunting and eating, it is generally hauling-out on the sandy beaches and volcanic rock of Northwest Hawaiian Islands. These monk seals are a conservation reliant endangered species. A small population of about 1,000 individuals is threatened by human encroachment, very low levels of genetic variation, entanglement in fishing nets, marine debris, disease, and past commercial hunting for skins.

Notes:

This guy was hanging out on Poipu beach in Kuaui. The beach was cordoned off to prevent anyone harassing it & to protect the public as seals may attack & bite if approached. I took these photos from the rocks above the beach.

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3 Comments

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

Emma, he/she was definitely 'chillin!

Hema  Shah
Hema Shah 12 years ago

I t looks like it is really enjoying itself!

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

While they usually hunt in shallow reefs, they’re known to dive over 900 feet to capture prey. In order to accomplish this, Hawaiian monk seals exhibit bradycardia—their heart rate slows down to about eight times less than the rate on the surface. This reduces the need for oxygen, so the seal can stay down longer. Added to NWF mission for this special adaptation.

KarenL
Spotted by
KarenL

Hawaii, USA

Spotted on Oct 20, 2006
Submitted on Aug 19, 2011

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Reference

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