This is another in a series of distraction diaries meant to provide a brief respite from the ongoing battles and as a reminder that we share this small rock with all kinds of amazing creatures. This week I will feature the highly endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal as well as some other critters.
Blowhole
Yesterday I stopped by Sandy Beach to do a little surf photography. This is the bodyboarding and bodysurfing beach that was our President's favorite hangout as a kid. It is also one of the most dangerous beaches in the U.S. The powerful shorebreak waves crash in very shallow water and there is a very high incidence of neck and back injuries.
Not long after I arrived and set up someone pointed out that there was a monk seal pulled out on the sand down the beach. Warning rope and signs had been posted around the big seal to keep beach goers at a distance.
The seal looked unconcerned.
The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is one of the most endangered seals on earth. There are approximately 1,200 left and indications are that the population is decreasing. It is unusual to see them on a beach on one the main Hawaiian islands.
They are true seals, or earless seals, of the family Phocidae. In fact they, along with the endangered Mediterranean, and recently extinct Carribean Monk seal are the most "primitive" seals, retaining many features from early seals fifteen millions years ago.
Threats to monk seals include a dwindling food supply, predation by sharks, entanglement in floating nets and plastic debris, an imbalance in the number of males and females and mobbing of females by aggressive males, possible biological threats such as ciguatera poisoning or viral infection, and habitat loss.
I have read that the name monk seal comes from the short hair in a circular pattern on their head (I don't see it), the folds of skin around their neck like a monk's robe, or their solitary nature.
The Hawaiian name for the monk seal is Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua, which means "dog that runs in rough waters,"
Hai!
A couple weeks ago I was lucky enough to see a couple of them while diving at the island of Ni'ihau.
I also did a little bird photography at the usual location, Hamakua Marsh in Kailua.
Hawaiian Stilt, and endemic and endangered subspecies of Black-Necked Stilt.
Got a hangover?
Also known here in these diaries as the pink-legged silly bird.
Immature Black-Crowned Night Heron
Immature Black-Crowned Night Heron
Black-Crowned Night Heron
Hawaiian Coot and chick, Endemic and endangered.
Hawaiian Moorhen, endemic and endangered.
I hope you have enjoyed your visit here. Feel free to post your photos, and please be good humans.