HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL Monachus schauinslandi (Matschie) 



Order: PINNIPEDIA Family: PHOCIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Similar to the Caribbean monk seal , but differs in several 

 cranial characters; coloration dark brown above, sides paler, and belly white or yellowish. 

 Female may attain a total length of about 7i feet and an estimated weight of 600 pounds; 

 males somewhat smaller . 



Present distribution : Hawaiian archipelago, primarily the small northwestern islands 

 most of which lie within the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge . Observed 

 occasionally off main inhabited islands. Rare stragglers seen recently at Johnston Atoll. 



Former distribution : The same except may not have occurred on Johnston. 



Status : Not immediately threatened as long as national refuge remains inviolate from 

 unauthorized landings by fishermen and other mariners . Does not thrive on islands 

 where there is a human population. Beginning to reappear on Midway in very low 

 numbers where two decades ago it was common. Small population on Kure Atoll. 

 Predation by sharks , especially on weaned pups , may be limiting populations . 



Estimated numbers : About 1 , 000 . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Single pup per female probably in alternate years. Breeding 

 season, usually February through June. Solitary. Most important pupping areas are 

 on national refuge (French Frigate Shools, Laysan and Lisianski Islands and Pearl and 

 Hermes Reef) . Some at Kure and, a few at Midway. 



Reasons for decline : Extreme exploitation in mid-19th century and almost exterminated. 

 Continual harassment at Midway in past. 



Protective measures already taken : Establishment of Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife 

 Refuge in 1909. Increased patrol of refuge. Entry on refuge by permit only. Information 

 about prohibition of unauthorized entry included on official charts of archipelago and 

 U.S. Coast Pilot used by mariners. Protected by Federal and State law. Protected on 

 Kure and now by Navy at Midway. Life history research on refuge in progress. Publicity 

 on status of species and refuge . 



Measures proposed : Continued stringent protection on refuge, Kure and Midway. 

 Continue research on refuge and publicity on status . 



Number in captivity : One at Honolulu Aquarium. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



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