The Monk Seals
Ancient Marine Mammals Find Ways to Survive in a Modern World
Two surviving species of monk seal have adapted their behavior to avoid the presence of man. Marine Sanctuaries also offer hope for their continued existence.
The monk seal has been in existence for over 15 million years.
Two species survive today despite the pressures of a changing world. Monk seals inhabit subtropical seas and oceans. That brings them into closer contact with humans than their cold water relatives. By moving from open beaches into coastal caves, the Mediterranean monk seal has been able to reduce its contact with humans, especially during critical times such as giving birth. The Hawaiian monk seal moved to more remote islands for the same reasons.
The Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) was declared extinct in the mid-1990s. An easy target as they hauled out to rest on beaches, these monk seals were heavily hunted for blubber, meat and pelts. The last verified sighting of a Caribbean monk seal occurred in1952 in Jamaican waters.
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) survives in small numbers (around 500 worldwide) in the Mediterranean and along the Atlantic coast of Africa. Historically, Mediterranean monk seals hauled out on open beaches to rest and give birth. Most of these seals now seek shelter in coastal or island caves. Hunting by humans, and persecution by fishermen who believe the seals are competition for fish, probably led to this change.
The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) population is slightly higher at about 1,500 animals. They were originally found throughout the islands. Hawaiian monk seals have also moved away from humans. With few caves to hide in among the islands, the Hawaiian seals are now found mostly in the more remote northwestern islands.
Both species have inadvertently been protected by the military. In Africa, the presence of military personnel and land mines near the largest colony of Mediterranean monk seals meant that access to the caves was prevented. As the conflict eases and land mines are removed, this is no longer the case.
In Hawaii the northwest islands were also part of a military area. Human presence was limited to the military personnel and a few biologists. Once again the reduction in military activity means that the area is more open to public access.
In both instances, the former military areas are being proposed for special protection. In Africa, a Marine Protected Area which would allow monk seals and fish populations to recover is being discussed. In Hawaii, the new Northwest Hawaiian Islands National Marine Monument may do the same.
