Startled Monk Seal
by Craig Wood
Title
Startled Monk Seal
Artist
Craig Wood
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
This monk seal was resting peacefully at Keawaula beach on the Westside of Oahu, but had gotten too close to the edge of the sand bar. It was startled by a large wave that crashed into its left side and left it scrambling for safety.
The Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi, formerly Monachus schauinslandi) is an 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 1,400 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.There are many methods of conservation biology when it comes to endangered species; translocation, captive care, habitat cleanup, and educating the public about the Hawaiian monk seal are some of the methods that can be employed. All rights apply. FAA watermark will not appear on any photo or product purchased.
Uploaded
November 12th, 2020
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Comments (4)
Randy Rosenberger
What a fine piece of artwork and I am happy to announce that this beauty has been chosen for a feature on the homepage of our WFS group. Congratulations for this accomplishment. Well deserved!