Hawaiian Monk Seal ( Monachus schauinslandi )

Monk Seals get marked off when they beach themselves so people will not get too close. Photographed in Hoai Heiau, Hawaii

Photograph by Jeff Kramer. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

A Monk Seal prepares to head to sea as the sun sets. Photographed in Hoai Heiau, Hawaii

Photograph by Jeff Kramer. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

Monk Seal on the beach in Kauai.

Photograph by Hawaii Lisa. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL FACTS

Description
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is found only around the Hawaiian Islands. It is brown or grayish brown above and paler underneath. The coat looks much darker in when wet. The Monk Seal has a long neck and broad rounded head. It is easily identified as there are no other seals regularly found around Hawaii.

Size
Length: 2.4m. Weight: 270kg

Environment
found around islands and atolls of Hawaii

Food
reef fish, squid, octopus

Breeding
A single pup is born after gestation period of 11 months. Pups are weaned after 4- 6 weeks. The newborn pup has a black coat that is shed after about 6 weeks with grayish-brown coat.

Range
Hawaiian Islands

Conservation Status
The conservation status in the 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals is "endangered".

Classification

Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Phocidae
Genus:	Monachus
Species:	schauinslandi
Common Name:	Hawaiian Monk Seal