Habitat Monk seal

hawaiian monk seal hauled out on volcanic rock

the hawaiian monk seal, name suggests, lives solely in hawaiian archipelago. monk seals migrated hawaii between 4–11 million years ago (mya) through open water passage between north , south america called central american seaway. isthmus of panama closed seaway approximately 3 million years ago. species may have evolved in pacific or atlantic, in either case, came hawaii long before first polynesians. when monk seals not hunting or eating, bask on beaches; hawaiian monk seals tend bask on sandy beaches , volcanic rock of northwest hawaiian islands.

the habitat of mediterranean monk seal has changed on years. prior 20th century, mediterranean monk seals had been known congregate, give birth, , seek refuge on open beaches. since sealing had ended, have left former habitat , use sea caves such behavior. more not, these caves rather inaccessible humans due underwater entries, , because caves along remote or rugged coastlines. scientists have confirmed recent adaptation, due rapid increase in human population, tourism, , industry, have caused increased disturbance humans , destruction of species natural habitat. because of these seals shy nature , sensitivity human disturbance, have adapted try avoid contact humans within last century, and, perhaps, earlier. coastal caves are, however, dangerous newborns, , causes of major mortality among pups when sea storms hit caves.

caribbean monk seals found in warm temperate, subtropical , tropical waters of caribbean sea, gulf of mexico, , west atlantic ocean. preferred haul out @ sites (low sandy beaches above high tide) on isolated , secluded atolls , islands, visit mainland coasts , deeper waters offshore. species may have fed in shallow lagoons , reefs.