Honolulu Daily Photos

A photographic journal of images from O'ahu by Dana, Jamie and Kala! =)

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Pictures are all taken during the course of my activities such as paddling, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, rock climbing, archery, skeet shooting, and soon diving - due to my schedule, some postings are done in advanced and posted automatically by blogger on the dates specified. If you have any suggestions, comments, etc for photos you would like me to take, do not hesitate to let me know - enjoy and thanks for stoppin by - Live, Love, Laugh and share the ALOHA!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

IMG_0252800
One of the United States' most endangered mammal, the population of these beautiful Hawaiian Monk Seals (`Ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua) are on a steady decline of about ~10% a year. There is currently about a little over a thousand left, spread throughout the Hawaiian islands as well as the NorthWestern island chains. The first official sighting and documentation of these animals started in the early 1800s and presumably originated from ancestors that date back in time and are the most primitive living members of the Family Phocidae, having separated from other true seals perhaps 15 million years ago. This youngster kept coming by me just begging for a picture, so here you go Ms. or Mr. Monk Seal! Going to a park attraction to see these animals is one thing but to see them out in the wild open ocean like I did here is quite an experience, esp. when it keeps wanting to hangout with me. By law, you are supposed to stay within a certain distance so as not to disturb them so I tried my best to keep away.

Here's a recent Monk Seal story in the news:
http://starbulletin.com/2008/05/06/news/story05.html

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4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. Nice photography too and completely unexpected. I liked your post yesterday too.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 11:19:00 PM HST  
Blogger Dina said...

Awww....sooo cute. It is true, it's one thing to go to a tourist attraction and see them, BUT THEN TO SEE ONE ON YOUR OWN..soooo kool

Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 7:48:00 PM HST  
Blogger Just Wedeminute said...

They are so beautiful!

Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 2:06:00 PM HST  
Blogger kuanyin333 said...

Great capture! I've swum near these seals, and they are so sweet.

Monday, May 19, 2008 at 9:57:00 PM HST  

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