The state of Hawaiʻi, known for its unique biodiversity, has designated the ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua, or Hawaiian Monk Seal, as its official state mammal. This designation highlights the mammal’s importance to the archipelago’s ecosystem. The Hawaiian Monk Seal is a species found nowhere else on Earth.
Hawaii’s Official State Mammal
The Hawaiian Monk Seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) was officially recognized as the state mammal of Hawaiʻi in 2008 through legislation signed by then Lieutenant Governor Duke Aiona. This designation elevated the profile of the seal, which is one of the world’s most endangered species. The official recognition was intended to raise international awareness regarding the plight of this native Hawaiian mammal, which faces numerous threats.
The mammal’s Hawaiian name, ʻIlio-holo-i-ka-uaua, translates to “dog running in rough water,” reflecting its somewhat canine appearance. The monk seal’s status as the official state mammal is separate from the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), which is designated as Hawaiʻi’s state marine mammal.
Unique Characteristics and Endemic Environment
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of only two warm-water seal species globally and is entirely endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago. Adults are generally a dark gray color on their backs, fading to a lighter silvery-gray or creamy shade on their bellies. They are born with a black coat of fur, which they shed as they age.
These seals are part of the Phocidae family, commonly known as earless seals. They can grow to be between seven and seven-and-a-half feet long and weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. Females are typically slightly larger than males. Their “monk-like” appearance comes from the thick fold of skin around their neck and their solitary nature, unlike most other seal species that live in colonies. The majority of the population resides in the remote Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Conservation Status and Protection Efforts
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is classified as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), a status it has held since 1976. The population is estimated to be around 1,600 seals, with the majority concentrated in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The species is also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and various State of Hawaiʻi laws.
The primary threats to the seals are multifaceted and include entanglement in marine debris and discarded fishing gear. Disease is also a growing concern, particularly toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease spread through the feces of infected cats that has caused multiple deaths in the main Hawaiian Islands. Human-related issues, such as intentional harm and disturbance from people and dogs on beaches, contribute to their vulnerability, particularly during pupping season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries leads recovery efforts, which include monitoring, outreach, and active intervention. These efforts involve administering a vaccine against a potentially fatal morbillivirus and the translocation of seals to areas with better survival prospects. While the population has shown a slow, steady increase in recent years, ongoing protection by federal and local Hawaiian agencies remains necessary to ensure the long-term survival of this unique state mammal.