1. (Monachus schauinslandi) Hawaiian name: "Llio holo I ka uaua"
Hawaiian Monk Seal
(Monachus schauinslandi)
Hawaiian name:
"Llio holo I ka uaua"
By: Tanya Taplin

2. Geography/Habitat Only seal native to Hawaii
One of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, one of only two monk seal species
Spend 2/3 of their life at sea
Entire historical and current species range lies within the US. Majority live in six main breeding subpopulations in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at:
Kure Atoll
Midway Islands
Pearl and Hermes Reef
Lisianksi Island
Laysan Island
French Frigate Shoals

3. Geography/Habitat cont.
Primarily benthic foragers, feeding on a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans
Main terrestrial habitat requirements include: haul-out areas for pupping, nursing, molting, and resting. These are primarily sandy beaches, but virtually all substrates are used at various islands.
Age/Weight/Reproduction
Females mature at age 5-6 while male mature age is unknown
Weight varies between pounds
7 to 7.5 feet in length
Gestation period is months
Birthing rates vary with range of 30-70% of adult females birthing in a given year.
Most births occur late March and early April
Pups are approx. 35 pounds and 3 feet long
After birth, nursing occurs for 1 month, during which time the mother fasts and remains on land.

4. http://www. fisheries. noaa

5. Current Status/Threats
Hunted to the brink of extinction in the late 19th century, Hawaiian monk seals have been declining ever since.
Population is currently declining at 4% annually
Estimated fewer than 1,200 individuals remain
Biologists predict population will dip below 1,000 in the next 3-4 years.
Biggest threats include food limitations, disease outbreaks, low genetic diversity, human interactions as well as male aggression towards female
Listed as endangered species November 23, 1976 (41 FR 51611) under the Endangered Species Act
Under MMPA, Hawaiian monk seals are classified as strategic stocks and are considered depleted

6. Conservation/Protection Measures
National Marine Fisheries Service and partners are implementing a Recovery Plan
Public education campaigns, including projects to reduce human interaction
Volunteer groups are being expanded to help rescue and rehabilitate and prevent undue stress
Direct efforts to reduce disentangled seals and remove debris
In order to preserve the future reproductive potential for recovery, one of the highest priorities being pursued by NMFS is the development of a captive care program to nutritionally supplement juvenile female seals.
Hawaiian monk seals have a recovery priority number of one

7. My opinion/suggestion
I have been fortunate to witness first hand some of the conservation and protection measures currently in place. There are various groups of people that volunteer at beaches everyday that assist in providing safety and security to monk seals.
Current measures in place are helping but more needs to be done to ensure future survival rates of juveniles and adults.
Suggestions for future protection/conservation
Provide additional protected areas away from threats
Implement additional programs and/or groups to raise awareness
Offer comprehensive rewards to individuals reporting unethical or harmful behavior
Provide additional sources of food and shelter

8. Picture of me with Hawaiian monk seal while my brother and I volunteered to remove debris from several beaches on west shore of Kauai in 2015.