Hawaiian Monk Seal
Species Information
There are currently around 1,000 hawaiian monk seals today; about 907 in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and 153 in the main Hawaiian Islands. The population drops about 4% per year. Over the past years, the reported births of the seals have gone up in the main hawaiian islands. The small amount of births is helping the seal population recover.
Unique Adaptations
Threats
During the 1800s, Hawaiian monk seals were persecuted for their meat, hides and oil; their habitat was also disturbed by bird guano and feather collectors. Entanglement in marine debris that accumulates around the islands from the Pacific, also disturbance from humans, threatens this species. Other threats such as predation by sharks and the prevalence of violent behaviour of mature males, also play a part in the decline of monk seal numbers.
Current Conservation Efforts
On June 8, 2010, a new bill was signed into law by the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii that makes it a felony to harm a Hawaiian monk seal, and fines up to $50,000 for those who commit crimes against the seals.
This law is a great sign of the commitment Hawaii is making toward the protection of the monk seal.
There are many different organizations where you can donate your money or even adopt a monk seal. That money will go to helping the sick or injured monk seals.
Impact
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is considered endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. They are carnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates and fish. Occasionally, they will feed upon birds or even other seals. They also tend to eat the common seafood of their area. If this animal species isn't helped, there is no where else to find them. They are extremely close to becoming extict and there are many things you can do to help.