Smile #1

by Craig Wood

Title

Smile #1

Artist

Craig Wood

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

The Hawaiian monk seal, (Neomonachus schauinslandi (formerly Monachus schauinslandi), is a highly endangered species of earless seal in the family Phocidae that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of two remaining monk seal species; the other is the Mediterranean monk seal. A third species, the Caribbean monk seal, is extinct.
The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii, and, along with the Hawaiian Hoary Bat, is one of only two mammals endemic to the islands.
These monk seals are a conservation reliant endangered species. The small population of about 1,100 individuals is threatened by human encroachment, very low levels of genetic variation, entanglement in fishing nets, marine debris, disease, and past commercial hunting for skins. (from Wikipedia)
I found this Monk Seal at the farthest point of the West and North shores of Oahu, Ka'ena Point. The point is only accessible on foot as it is a fenced in bird sanctuary on a walking path that is approximately 5 mile round trip. The seals come here to rest. On this day there were two seals that spent most of their time with their heads partially submerged. I was telling the one to please smile - when sure enough he popped up and look directly at me. Lucky me!
Photograph is the copyright property of Craig Wood and cannot be copied or used without permission. FAA watermark will not appear on prints purchased.

Uploaded

January 24th, 2016

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Viewed 257 Times  -  Last Visitor from Brampton, ON - Canada on 04/22/2024 at 7:31 PM

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