Local Conservation Success Story: The Hawaiian Monk Seal (HMS)

Hawaiian Monk Seal
Name
Institution
Hawaiian Monk Seal
At the main Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Monk Seal is threatened mainly by human interactions, where human activities and actions do affect the survival of the species. The species is observed to come to land and give birth or rest but human activities have affected this important biological need. Intentional or for protection humans are killing the species. Infectious diseases, toxins, and parasites are a major threat in the Hawaiian island these include Leptospira spp, distemper viruses, and West Nile virus ("NOAA PIFSC Threats To Hawaiian Monk Seal Survival,"). Marine debris is also another threat where the Hawaiian monks are observed to have the highest entanglement rate amid the other seals. Shark predation is one of the major cause of mortality and injuries for the species. The Galapagos sharks prey on pups, especially on the shores.
At the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, adult male aggression towards the pups, females, and immature seals is a major threat as it has led to a numb...