Hawaiian monk seal

The Hawaiian monk seal is a marine mammal native to the Hawaiian Islands, recognized for its round body and large, expressive eyes. It is one of the most endangered seal species in the world, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining. Hawaiian monk seals primarily inhabit sandy beaches and coral reefs, where they feed on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are known for their unique social behaviors, including resting onshore in groups. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and mitigate threats from climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and human disturbances.