The Hawaiian Monk Seal is considered an endangered species. The Monk Seals make their homes along the sandy beaches of Hawaii's coral reefs, primarily on the tiny islands and atolls located northwest of Kaua'i. The Monk Seal's diet consists of reef fish, lobster, octopus, eels and other marine animals. When attempting to capture food they have been recorded diving to depths of 400 feet. Every two years between March and July female Monk Seals come on-shore and give birth to one black pup.
Pups average three feet and thirty pounds at birth.
Factors which threaten the persistence and recovery of monk seal populations include disturbance by human activities, interactions with fisheries, and shark predation. Planet Kauai 1997. All Rights Reserved.