Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Monk Seal?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A monk seal is a seal in the genus Monachus. There are three known species in this genus; two monk seal species are endangered, and one is extinct. Researchers who work with monk seals fear that they may vanish entirely without intervention, as they are critically threatened by a variety of factors, from human encroachment to disease. Unlike most seals, the monk seal is a tropical seal, preferring temperate to warm waters.

Monk seals are considered “true seals,” meaning that they are in the earless seal family Phocidae, within the suborder Pinnipedia. Like other earless seals, monk seals have bodies which are specifically adapted for a highly aquatic life, and they tend to be cumbersome on the ground as a result. Their bodies are sleek and lean with powerful flippers adapted for long-distance swimming, and they are covered in a coat of soft insulating fur which keeps their skin from becoming saturated while in the water.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

The common name “monk seal” is a reference to the skin folds on the necks of these seals, which do indeed resemble the folds of a monk's hood. Monk seals come in a range of colors, including brown, cream, and gray, with brown monk seals looking especially monkish.

Living monk seals can be found in two places: Hawaii, and the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean monk seal is critically endangered, with a population most recently counted in the hundreds. These seals have been threatened by human activities in the Mediterranean, including fishing, construction, and industrial manufacturing, and they have also been stricken with a disease which wiped out an estimated two thirds of the population in 1997.

Hawaiian monk seals are not critically endangered, but they are still considered endangered, due to increased predation, aggressive fishing around the Hawaiian islands, and human activities. Monk seal populations in Hawaii have become so stressed that cases of “mobbing” have been observed, in which a group of males pursues a single female, sometimes killing or severely injuring her by accident.

The extinct monk seal species is the Caribbean or West Indian monk seal, which was last seen in 1952.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a monk seal and where can it be found?

Monk seals are marine mammals known for their solitary nature, belonging to the family Phocidae. They are named for their smooth, monk-like appearance. There are two species: the Mediterranean monk seal and the Hawaiian monk seal. The Mediterranean species inhabits parts of the Mediterranean Sea, while the Hawaiian monk seal is native to the Hawaiian Islands.

How many species of monk seals are there, and are they endangered?

There are two extant species of monk seals: the Mediterranean monk seal and the Hawaiian monk seal. Both species are critically endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Mediterranean monk seal is one of the world's most endangered marine mammals, with a population of around 700 individuals, while the Hawaiian monk seal's population is approximately 1,400.

What do monk seals eat and how do they hunt?

Monk seals are carnivorous and primarily feed on a variety of marine life, including fish, cephalopods like octopus and squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled hunters, using their sensitive whiskers to detect prey in the murky waters. They often hunt alone and can dive deeply, sometimes up to several hundred meters, to find food.

What threats do monk seals face in their natural habitat?

Monk seals face numerous threats, including habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, marine debris, and intentional harm by humans. Additionally, climate change and ocean pollution pose significant risks. Disease outbreaks and limited genetic diversity due to small population sizes also threaten their survival.

How do monk seals reproduce, and what is their lifespan?

Monk seals are solitary creatures, but they come together during breeding seasons. Females give birth to a single pup after a gestation period of about 11 months. Pups are nursed for approximately six weeks before weaning. Monk seals can live up to 25-30 years in the wild, though many do not reach this age due to the aforementioned threats.

What conservation efforts are in place to protect monk seals?

Conservation efforts for monk seals include habitat protection, enforcement of fishing regulations to prevent bycatch, and initiatives to remove marine debris. Organizations and governments are also involved in rescue and rehabilitation programs for injured or sick seals. Public awareness campaigns aim to educate about the importance of preserving these unique marine mammals and their ecosystems.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Woman with hand on her hip
      Woman with hand on her hip