Reproduction and development Monk seal
two young hawaiian monk seals
very little known of mediterranean monk seal s reproduction. suggested polygynous, males being territorial mate females. although there no breeding season since births take place year round, there peak in october , november. time when caves prone wash out due high surf or storm surge, causes high mortality rates among monk seal pups, @ key cabo blanco colony. pups make first contact water 2 weeks after birth , weaned @ around 18 weeks of age; females caring pups go off feed average of 9 hours. individuals believed reach maturity @ 4 years of age. gestation period lasts close year. however, believed common among monk seals of cabo blanco colony have gestation period lasting longer year. mediterranean monk seals live 25 30 years old.
hawaiian monk seals polygynous. breeding season takes place throughout year, excluding fall, peaks during april , may. shark attacks cause high pup mortality, 19% 39%. thought pups weaned @ 6 weeks, , thought reach sexual maturity @ 3 years average lifespan 25 30 years.
not known of caribbean monk seal s reproduction. thought bore single pup every 2 years. gestation period, lactating period, , sexual maturity age unknown.
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