MAMMALIA: PINNIPEDIA : PHOCIDAE : Monachus

Monachus schauinslandi (Matschie, 1905)

Hawaiian Monk Seal

Photo and text by Artha Smith

Range:  Distributed throughout Hawaiian Leeward Islands, sometimes seen around main Hawaiian Islands.

Diagnosis:  Nostrils situated on top of muzzle.  Smooth vibrissae (whiskers).

Description:  Robust, long, fusiform body, short flippers.  Small, wide, slightly flattened head, eyes spaced widely apart.  Mystacial pads extend beyond the muzzle.  Most females and young adults are silver to gray above and lighter below.  Males and some females are darker brown to black, darkening as they age.  Some may have patches or blotches of different coloring on their bodies.

Natural History:

Reproduction: Breeding season starts in late December and ends in the middle of August.  Mating takes place in the water.  Pups are usually born between March and June. There is usually a single pup born weighing between 16-18kg and 100cm long.  The pups are born with a soft woolly black coat which is shed by the sixth week.

Taxonomy & Relationships:

Variation:

Additional Comments:  IUCN classified endangered.  CITES appendix 1.

Type Specimen:

Literature: Click on books to order.

Jefferson A. S. Lutherwood and M. A. Webber.  FAO Species Identification Guide Marine Mammals of the World.  Rome, FAO 1994 ISBN 92-5-1032920.