Photo provided
by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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Monk
Seals
Monk seals
probably acquired their name because of their bald appearance,
monk-like preference for solitude, and a fold of loose skin around
their heads that resembles the hood of a monk's robe. They are
the oldest living members of the pinniped order and have remained
virtually unchanged for 15 million years. The monk seal is one
of the most endangered seals in the world. There are three species
of monk seals, the Mediterranean and Hawaiian species are critically
endangered and the Caribbean monk seal is believed to be extinct.
The pressures of human disturbances and predation have had devastating
effects on all three monk seal populations.
Courtesy of the
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
Photo by John Henderson of National Marine Fisheries Service
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Threats
- Competition
with fisheries, such as when humans fish for lobster and foods
they eat.
- Contaminants
and pollution.
- Entanglement
in fishing nets and debris.
- Mobbing,
males gang together to mate with females and younger seals and
by doing so injure and sometimes kill them.
- Predation
by sharks.
- Lower
pup survival as the result of human disturbances.
- Disease
contracted by eating certain reef fish.
Courtesy of U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service
Photo by Nanette Soto
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If
you see a monk seal please
- Let them
rest in peace. Missing their naptime weakens the animal's ability
to feed and protect itself and it's baby.
- Be very
quiet, don't yell or throw things.
- Do not
try to throw water on them, it is natural for them to come on
land and rest.
- It is
against the law to harass or go near them. Enjoy the seal from
at least 5 car lengths away.
- Keep
their access to the water clear of people.
- Avoid
female monk seals with pups and never become between a mother
and her pup.
- Keep
pets away.
- Make
sure others standing know not to wake or disturb the seals.
Courtesy of U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service
Photo by E. Kridler
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