Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian monk seal is an endangered species of seals.

Scientific Name – Neomonachus schauinslandi

Classification – Neomonachus

Gender Names – Male – bull; Female – cow; Baby – calf

Collective Noun – Herd, pod, rookery, harem

Length/Size – 7-8 feet (2.1- 2.4 m)

Weight – 300 to 600 pounds (140 to 270 kg)

Life Expectancy – 25 to 30 years

Mating Season – February to July

Gestation Period – 10-11 months

Special Features – Females are slightly larger 

Social Structure – Males live in their own harems (with multiple females); structures vary between subspecies

Geographical Distribution – Northwest Hawaiian Islands

Natural Habitat – Mostly lagoons and coral reefs

World Population – About 1100

Conservation Status – Endangered

Diet – Fish, squid, octopus, eels, and several types of crustaceans

Predators – Tiger sharks, gray reef shark and white-tipped reef shark