What is the Hawiian Monks Seal's Role in the ecosystem?

Kehaulani: Monk seals serve an important role in the marine ecosystem, as do most species in these complex webs. Like manō and ulua, monk seals are apex predators and serve to control levels of numerous prey populations to maintain a healthy functioning ecosystem.

1. Is the Hawaiian monk seal a keystone species?
2. What are monk seals hunted for?
3. What eats Hawaiian monk seals?
4. What are the adaptations of a Hawaiian monk seal?
5. How did the Hawaiian monk seal become endangered?
6. What would happen if Hawaiian monk seals went extinct?
7. Why are Mediterranean monk seals important?
8. Do monk seals have fur?
9. Why do monk seals beach themselves?
10. Is a Hawaiian monk seal predator or prey?
11. Why do Hawaiian monk seals have whiskers?
12. Are monk seals critically endangered?

Is the Hawaiian monk seal a keystone species?

Species such as humpback whales, dolphins, monk seals, seabirds, and corals provide important ecosystem functions and services and are considered “key” species within the sanctuary. ... The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is a critically endangered species that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

What are monk seals hunted for?

Humans hunted Mediterranean monk seals for the basic necessities of their own survival – fur, oil, meat, medicines – but in early antiquity did not kill them in large enough numbers to endanger their existence as a species.

What eats Hawaiian monk seals?

Tiger sharks often prey upon Hawaiian monk seals as evidenced by shark bite wounds present on many monk seals. Other shark predators include gray reef and white-tipped reef sharks.

What are the adaptations of a Hawaiian monk seal?

Some of these adaptations include: streamlined bodies, flipper-like appendages for gliding, thick blubber layer for heat and buoyancy, internalized structures such as reproductive and sensory organs. Hawaiian monk seals main predators are sharks.

How did the Hawaiian monk seal become endangered?

Hawaiian monk seals were apparently eliminated from the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) after the first Polynesians arrived. In the late 19th century, hunting in the NWHI pushed the species to the brink of extinction.

What would happen if Hawaiian monk seals went extinct?

Hawaii's First Native Sea Mammal

The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of two species of seals that have existed since ancient times, the other being the critically endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal. Its extinction would not only impact the history of Hawaii, but also the history of our natural planet.

Why are Mediterranean monk seals important?

Kehaulani: Monk seals serve an important role in the marine ecosystem, as do most species in these complex webs. Like manō and ulua, monk seals are apex predators and serve to control levels of numerous prey populations to maintain a healthy functioning ecosystem.

Do monk seals have fur?

The seals are born with a black lanugo—a fur coat found on some infant mammals. ... They shed this as they grow, and as adults, they have dark gray backs and light-colored bellies. Hawaiian monk seals are 7 to 7.5 feet (2.1 to 2.2 meters) in length, with females larger than males.

Why do monk seals beach themselves?

Hawaiian monk seals naturally spend about a third of their time resting and sleeping on shore. They are not “lazy,” but conserve energy between their hunting and foraging trips.

Is a Hawaiian monk seal predator or prey?

Hawaiian monk seals are generalist predators known to eat fishes, squids/octopuses, and crustaceans, like crabs and lobsters.

Why do Hawaiian monk seals have whiskers?

Together we can make a big difference. Fun Fact: Seals have a lot of whiskers, known as vibrissae, which help them find prey in murky or deep water. And even though it looks like they have no ears, they actually have small ear holes that function well both in and out of water.

Are monk seals critically endangered?

Today, the Hawaiian monk seal is critically endangered and headed toward extinction. Hawaiian monk seals are the most endangered endemic marine mammal in the USA and one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.