Hawaiian Monk Seal

Monachus schauinslandi

By Jasmine and Addie

External Anatomy

Eyes Light grey coloring Limbs (flippers) Sleek fur Vibrissae (detect vibrations)

Features
Eyes: Excellent vision, much like a dogs Light grey coloring: Camouflage from predators Limbs: Propel body forward through water Sleek fur: Warmth Vibrissae: Detect vibrations in water

Range
Only native to the Hawaiian Island chain

Also lives on unpopulated islands in the Central Pacific

Habitat
Only in the central pacific Need warm waters (food and warmth)

Population Status
Endangered
Only about 1,200 in the wild today Conservation efforts Laws protecting the seals, tagging, and habitat protection

Past Populations

It is at its lowest population in history Has declined by more than 60% in the last 50 years

Reproduction
Mating season is between August and December Nine month gestation period

Life Stages
Fetus Pup Young seal Mature adult

Stages
Fetus Stage Takes nine months to develop Mother seal gives birth to one pup a year Pup Stage Born about 35 pounds, 1 meter long Have a black coat for six weeks Nursed by mother

Stages (continued)
Young Seal Replaces black coat with grey after six weeks Mother deserts pup and returns to the sea Pup is left to learn how to survive on its own

Stages (continued)
Mature Adult Young seal grows up and reaches maturity at age four Females are 400-600 pounds, males are 300-400 pounds Once mature, searches for a mate Mates during mating season, and leaves mate

Strongest Senses
Vibrissae

Eyesight
Hearing

Vibrissae
Look like whiskers Also on cats and other mammals Sense vibrations Each vibrissa is held in a blood sinus, which captures and senses the tiny movements when the vibrissa moves

Eyesight
Sees in black and white Clear and focused vision Mucus is produced to protect eyes while the seal is not in the water

Hearing
Has an external pinnae, which is also like an ear opening In the water, the seal can hear sounds better than on land Strong sense, but relatively weaker when compared to that of other seals

Feeding Habits
Eats fish, lobster, eels, and octopus

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