The Hawaiian Monk Seal: An Endangered Species Worth Saving
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a mammal that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is also the official state mammal of Hawaii. Adult seals can range in size from 5-7ft long and can weigh 400-600lbs, while newborn pups usually weigh about 25-30lbs. Breeding and birthing usually occurs during the warm spring and summer months.
Monk Seals spend most of their time looking for food and avoiding predators, which often requires them to haul out onto beaches for extended periods of rest. However, this puts them at risk for human interaction and disturbance. The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the most critically endangered animals in the world, with only about 1100 individuals remaining. Scientists have been making efforts to help preserve the species, such as relocating juveniles shortly after birth to safer locations, supplemental feeding, relocating males on islands where they outnumber females, disentangling distressed animals, removing ocean debris and educating the public.
The Future of the Hawaiian Monk Seal
Continued effort is required to maintain and improve population status of the Hawaiian monk seal. To do this we must:
1) minimize human disturbance of breeding colonies;
2) control introduced predators;
3) reduce entanglement in marine debris;
4) manage interactions between seals and fisheries;
5) respond quickly to mortality events;
6) monitor population status and trends; and
7) educate the public about best ways to coexist with monk seals.
Of these actions, reducing human disturbance has been shown to be one of the most important things we can do to increase pup survival rates. A variety of effective management techniques have been developed to minimize human impacts on seal haul-outs, including beach closures, fencing off areas where seals rest, establishing viewing guidelines (e.g., do not approach closer than 150 ft), and placing informational signs at popular seal viewing areas. Through education campaigns aimed at changing people’s behaviors around monk seals (e.g., giving them space), we can make progress in our efforts to ensure that this unique animal remains a part of Hawaii’s ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
Conclusion:
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a fascinating animal that is unfortunately on the brink of extinction. While there are many factors working against them, there are also many efforts being made to help preserve this species. By educing the public about ways to coexist with monk seals and minimizing human disturbance, we can help ensure that these animals remain a part of Hawaii’s ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
