Aguirre, Alonso et al. “Infectious Disease Monitoring of the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal.” Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 40.2 (2007): 229-241. This article seeks to monitor infectious diseases afflicting endangered Hawaiian monk seals. It should be noted that a study of this nature is not only relevant from a conservation point of view, but also a valid tool for assessing some of the prominent threats to the long-term survival of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Two of the most prominent causes of mortality in this case have been identified as mitotoxin and ciguatoxin. The authors are of the opinion that the relevance of continued surveillance cannot be overstated as an approach to the early detection of various infectious diseases. Coupled with other conservation strategies, this is an approach that could immensely help in future conservation efforts. The fact that the authors in this case make use of an appropriate sample size further enhances the precision of the study’s estimates.

Kittinger, John et al. “Sociocultural Significance of the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal and the Human Dimensions of Conservation Planning.” Endangered Species Research. 17. (2012): 139-156.

Human conflicts with species have, in some quarters, been blamed for the extinction...

This effectively means that human conflicts with species is one of the concerns that ought to be highlighted in the assessment of some of the potential reasons for the endangerment of Hawaiian monk seals. According to the authors, there have been numerous instances of intentional killing of Hawaiian monk seals by fishers on the main Hawaiian Islands. The article is of great relevance as it focuses on the human dimensions of endangered species, as opposed to the biological aspects of the same. In the authors’ opinion, the future of conservation efforts in this case will depend on how well the human dimension in human-wildlife conflict is understood. In this study, the authors make use of a diverse set of reliable sources, which further enhances the article’s credibility.
Lopez, Jessica et al. “Geographic Variation of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Hawaiian Monk Seals Monachus Schauinslandi in the Main Hawaiian Islands.” Endangered Species Research. 24. (2014): 249-262.

The impact of organic pollutants on sea life has been well documented. However, very few studies have sought to assess how Hawaiian monk seals have been impacted by persistent organic pollutants (PoPs). In this case, the authors attempt to map the extent to which PoPs…