Hawaiian Monk Seal
Monachus schauinslandi
Weight:
Female about 250kg; male
about 170kg.
Habitat:
It is found on ocean island
beaches and coral reefs, and in water up to a depth of about 30m. Age to Maturity: Approximately 6-7 years.
Birth
Season: December - August,
with a peak from March - May.
Maximum
Age: 30 years.
Diet:
It feeds on a variety of
fish and invertebrates in the vicinity of coral reefs, including eels,
octopus and lobsters.
Threats/Reasons
for Decline: Hunting was
the major reason for its decline prior to 1909. Recently, human disturbance
such as beachcombing, jogging, and harassment from pet dogs has apparently
harmed reproduction and survival by adversely affecting activities such as
hauling out, pupping and feeding.
