The Hawaiian monk seal is an endangered species with a population of 1,200-1,400 individuals. They are found in the shallow waters and beaches of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Males grow up to 2.1 meters and 200 kg while females reach 2.4 meters and 272 kg. Their diet consists of octopus, fish, lobster, and other reef animals. Females give birth to pups once every 2 years. Major threats include predators such as sharks and lack of recovery from historical hunting.

1. Hawaiian Monk Seal By Drew Lindow

2. Classification Hawaiian Monk Seal Monachus schauinslandi Laysan Seal `Ilioholo`ika`uaua Order includes seals, sea lions and walruses Hawaii's only Pinniped

3. Population Population 1,200-1,400 Status: Endangered. History Hunted in 1800's Declared extinct in 1824 WWII Instillations set back recovery Wildlife Refuge - 1940 Lifespan unknown Predators Galapagos shark Tiger shark Grey reef shark Whitetip reef shark Ciguatoxin

4. Habitat & Distribution Habitat Shallow water Near small islands Coral sand beaches Distribution Western Hawaiian islands 40-50% at Frigate Shoals Do not migrate

5. Physical Characteristics Males – 200 kg, Females - 272 kg Males – 2.1 m, Females – 2.4 m Pups 16-19 kg, 1 m Females often larger than males Most primitive seal Fur Males darker than females Pups born with black coat Molt comes off in patches

6. Adaptations Diving 600 ft. 20 min. Slow heart rate 4-15 bpm 55-120 on surface No adaptations for warm environment Stay inactive during day

7. Diet & Feeding Habits Shallow waters Close to shore Food: Octopus Crayfish Reef fish Eels Lobster

8. Reproduction Polygamous Sexually mature at age six Breed in spring and summer 60% give birth each year Mate underwater Pups born 1 yr after mating Weaned at 6 weeks 1 at a time Give birth every 2 years Foster care “ Mobbing” Male to Female ratio 3:1

9. Social Behavior Feed in shallow water Bask on beaches Solitary Genetically tame “Sand Wallows”

10. Works Cited Feldhamer, George A., Bruce Carlyle Thompson, and Joseph A. Chapman. “Wild Mammals of North America: Biology, Management, and Conservation.” JHU Press, 2003. Gardner, Emily. “Hawaiian Monk Seals.” Earthtrust. 9 May 2008 <http://www.earthtrust.org/wlcurric/seals.html>. Lambert, Jenny, and Ingrid Rouse. “Monachus schauinslandi.” Animal Diversity Web 1999. 9 May 2008 <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Monachus_schauinslandi.html>. Marshall Cavendish Corporation. “Endangered Wildlife and Plants of the World.” Marshall Cavendish, 2001. “ Saving Hawaiian Monk Seals..” Weekly Reader News - Edition 3 76.10 (2006): 2. Images “ hmonkseal.04.jpg” 9 May 2008 <http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall%2003%20project/monkseal/hmonkseal.04.jpg>. “ Tiger_shark.png.” 9 May 2008 <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Tiger_shark.png>. “ monkseal19.jpg (JPEG Image, 230x167 pixels).” 9 May 2008 <http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/psd/img/monkseal19.jpg>. “ Hawaiian-Monk-Seal.jpg (JPEG Image, 240x145 pixels).” 9 May 2008 <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a2/Hawaiian-Monk-Seal.jpg>. <http://www.healthstones.com/ocean_life_store/wild_safari_marine_animals/octopus/octopus.jpg> <http://spressivo.com/isa/coralreef/images/moray%20eel_.jpg> <http://www.sealifegifts.net/user_images/lobster4a.JPG>

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