Courtesy of U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service
Photo by Robert Shallenberger
|
|
Hawaiian
Monk Seal
The Hawaiian
monk seal is the only truly tropical seal in the world and is
endemic to the islands, meaning it's found no where else in the
world. It is one of only two endemic mammals of Hawai'i, the
other being Ope'ape'a, the Hawaiian bat. The Hawaiian monk seals
are different from other species in that they evolved entirely
free of terrestrial enemies due to their living on remote oceanic
islands. They did not develop the need or the instinct to flee
from people or dogs. They are considered the most endangered
seal in U.S. waters, as well as being one of the nation's most
endangered marine species. There are approximately only 1,200
Hawaiian monk seals left, a few are in the main Hawaiian Islands,
however most are found in the northwestern end of the chain.
The Hawaiian monk seal population levels are declining about
10% a decade despite ongoing efforts to save it from extinction.
Courtesy of the
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Photo by Jeff Alexander
|
|
Basking
in the midday sun is a favorite pastime of Hawaiian monk seals.
Being nocturnal hunters, they spend most of their daylight hours
lounging in bliss and warming up in the sun. When on land, the
seals may look lethargic, sick or even dead. They come ashore
to get their much needed rest and should not be disturbed or
approached. They are generally very sensitive to disturbances,
especially while nursing, mothers have been known to abandon
pups when subjected to repeated visits by humans. Hawaiian monk
seals are able to dive to depths of 500 feet and can remain underwater
for 20 minutes while foraging for food like lobster, eel, octopus,
crab and fish.
|
