January 3, 2008
Hawaiian Monk Seal sighting
The Hawaiian name is `Ilio holo I ka uaua , “dog that runs in rough waters.” Better known as the Hawaiian Monk Seal, it is one of only two mammals believed to be endemic to our islands.* They are considered the most endangered marine species, with somewhere between 1200 and 1500 Hawaiian Monk seals thought to exist today. “Endemic” is the term used to identfy species which developed here and are found nowhere else in the world. Many people who have lived here for decades have never seen this beautiful, rare creatures, so it was a great surprise when one decided to spend New Years Day sunning on a popular beach on Oahu. The charming pinniped quickly drew a crowd of admiring onlookers who were held at bay by hastily constructed barriers. It’s against the law to approach or harrass our endangered seals, and most folks are aware of protection laws and respectful of the seals. Our delightful visitor was able to nap unmolested by its thoughtful admirers. It’s rumored that this may be the same seal which has been spotted on a beach at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station for several weeks. Unlike other species of seals which gather in large groups, Hawaiian Monk Seals are loners and rarely seen together (except for mothers and pups.) I’ve heard that Hawaiian Monk Seals are sometimes seen along the hiking trail to Kaena Point, the westernmost point on Oahu, but I’ve never seen one when I’ve made the hike. Maybe some day!
You can learn more about Hawaiian Monk Seals at the page dedicated to them on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
*the only other mammal endemic to our islands is the Hoary bat.
Photo credit: Craig Rowland for the USFWS
Technorati Tags: endangered species, Hawaii, Hawaii marine life, Hawaiian Monk Seal
Posted by skeet @ 12:30 am • current events, Hawaii
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January 3rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm, Whim Says:
How adorable! Such a shame they are endangered.
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm, pussreboots Says:
“dog that runs in rough waters” is the perfect name for a seal. What a lovely post!
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:35 pm, skeet Says:
It really is a shame, Whim. Sharks are their natural predators, but it’s indiscriminate fishing that’s had the worst impact on the seals. We’r etheir worst enemy on land, too, of course.
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 pm, skeet Says:
Does the name make you smile or even laugh, too, Sarah? It has that effect on me.
January 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 pm, skeet’s stuff » Share Some Good Stuff! Says:
[…] can’t quit smiling about the recent news of a Hawaiian Monk Seal sighting on one of our local beaches, though I’m disappointed not to have seen it in […]