About Hawaiian Monk Seals

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is considered one of the most endangered marine mammal species in the world. The species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and has been a major part of the marine life for millions of years (Muneoka, 2011). Monk Seals are also considered to be an apex predator, meaning that they help control prey populations in marine ecosystems. The seals have been given the Hawaiian name ‘Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua’, which means “the dog which runs in rough waters” (Natural Marine Sanctuary Foundation, 2018). Monk Seals range from 6 to 7 feet long, often weighing over 400 pounds (NOAA, n.d.). Their fur transitions from black at birth to a dark gray or brown as they age. Monk Seals are an apex predator, as well as a generalist feeder, meaning that they eat whatever is readily available to them. To give birth, Monk Seal mothers will swim to shore. After birth, the mothers will remain with their pups for around six weeks (National Geographic, n.d.). This time period is crucial because the mothers help nurse the pups to ensure of their survival and after the first weeks of the pups’ lives, the mothers will abandon them. While this may sound extreme, Monk Seals mostly live solitarily, meaning that they aren’t in colonies like a lot of other seals and marine life. The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a special species native to Hawaii that needs help to ensure of their survival. Hawaiian Monk Seals, as all other species, play an important role in maintaining a diverse, balanced, and functioning ecosystem.