Neomonachus Schauinslandi, commonly known as the Hawaiian Monk Seal, it’s called that both for the fact that it typically appears solo or in small parties and for the creases in its outer layer that mimic a monk’s cloak. Native Hawaiians refer to them as a “dog that sprints in rough water” in their respective language.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is among the most vulnerable seal species in the world, with approximately 1,500 specimens left in the entire population. Among the two monk seal varieties still in existence is the Hawaiian Monk Seal; the other one is the Mediterranean monk seal. The Caribbean monk seal, a third species, no longer exists. Read on to discover more about the unique behavior and ecological significance of this remarkable species.
Appearance
Hawaiian Monk Seal can be distinguished from other pinnipeds, by its thin build, white abdomen, and gray fur. They have no external ears and difficulty bending its rear flippers underneath. They have a tiny, flattened skull with 8 sets of teeth, huge, dark eyes, and a tiny, flat nose.
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the smallest species of seals, and adult males typically reach lengths of around 7 to 7.5 feet (2.1 to 2.3 meters) and weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (180 to 270 kilograms).
The seal’s nostrils are tiny vertical holes that shut once it submerges. They are also exceptionally fast swimmers thanks to their slim, missile-shaped bodies and rear flippers. They undergo a dramatic molt every year in which they lose all of their hair as well as the top layer of skin. This process helps them maintain healthy skin and fur, free of parasites and damage.
One of their most recognizable features is the folds of skin around their neck, which can appear quite wrinkled. They also have a somewhat flattened forehead.
Habitat
Hawaiian monk seals are found exclusively in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, a remote chain of islands and atolls extending northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands. This area is part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
They forage in relatively shallow waters, typically less than 600 feet deep, though they can dive much deeper. They prefer areas with coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and sandy substrates.
They haul out on beaches to rest, molt, give birth, and nurse their pups. They need easy access to the water.
Diet
Mature seals primarily eat bigger octopus varieties, juveniles, and semi-adults prey on small fish, smaller cephalopods, nighttime octopus, squid, and eels.
Their exploring flexibility enables them to be opportunistic carnivores that graze on a vast range of readily accessible species, resulting in a diverse diet. Nonetheless, they typically descend a typical 6 minutes to levels about less than 200 ft to graze on the seabed. They can maintain their air for a maximum of 20 minutes and dive upwards of 1,800 ft.
Reproduction
They reproduce underwater from June to August. Females have one pup per year when they are four years old and are fully mature. Nine months pass throughout the fetus’ development, and birthing typically occurs around March and June. On beaches, the puppies are delivered and nursed for around six weeks.
Copulation in Hawaiian monk seals is rarely observed but usually takes place about 1 to 5 km offshore.
When nursing, the mother doesn’t take a break or abandon the pup. Afterward, the mother abandons the pup, allowing it to fend for itself, and goes back to the ocean for the very first occasion since the pup was born.
Threats
The population is estimated to be around 1,400 individuals and faces threats from habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, disease, and human disturbance. The U.S. government gives protection to the seals under the Endangered Species Act which are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Hawaiian Monk Seals are naturally preyed upon by sharks. Most intriguing, male monk seals occasionally conduct assault attacks during breeding attempts, in which they kill young or females of the same species.
There has also been an issue with monk seals being killed on purpose. The coastlines at which these marine mammal nurture their young ones are at risk due to degradation from cyclones and rising seas on the low-lying islands where they reside.
Facts about the Hawaiian Monk Seal
- In the wild, Hawaiian Monk Seals have a lifespan of up to 30 years.
- They can get as big as 600 lbs and 7 ft long.
- They can swim on a single breath of air for 20-22 minutes.
- They have the ability to change color gradually.
- Hawaiian monk seals are capable of diving to depths of up to 1,900 feet.”
FAQs
Are Hawaiian Monk Seals friendly?
Monk seals typically don’t attack humans unless they feel endangered. If a person gets between a mother seal and her pup, and they perceive such an approach as hostile, then the mother will promptly result to violence against a human.
Can you touch Hawaiian Monk Seals?
Given their delicate nature as an endangered species, legal countermeasures have been put in place to help protect them for as long as possible. Hawaiian Monk Seal harassment or injury is a felony punishable by a fine of as much as $50,000 or by a 5-year jail sentence.
What to do if a Hawaiian Monk Seal approaches you?
It is advised that you keep a safe distance of a minimum of 50 ft to Hawaiian monk seals as well as at least 150 ft if you come across a female monk seal with a pup if there aren’t any indications, ropes, or official personnel nearby. Pets, in particular, can be dangerous as their behavior cannot be predicted.
Why do Hawaiian Monk Seals sleep on the beach?
Hawaiian Monk Seals prefer to rest on beaches primarily because their natural predators (sharks) cannot get to them while on land; also, it’s a behavior meant to conserve energy as much as possible. Also, the land has more variety for them to use their surroundings to shield them from hostile environmental elements.
