Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals

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 of some species in the past. 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 have affected Hawaiian monk seals in the main Hawaiian Islands. Towards this end, the authors find that PoP levels in seals within the same range were largely similar. Higher PoP levels were found in seals whose home ranges were near inhabited areas. It should be noted that by using an integrated approach in this study, the authors make it possible for their findings to be applied in reference to other marine life.
Norris, Tenaya et al. “An Integrated Approach for Assessing Translocation as an Effective Conservation Tool for Hawaiian Monk Seals.” Endangered Species Research. 32. (2017): 103-115.
It should be noted that for efforts to protect the Hawaiian monk seals to bear fruit, various strategies should be assessed and critically evaluated. The authors in this case highlight translocation and its effectiveness as a tool of conservation in reference to the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The authors conclude that translocation could further enhance the survivorship of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. This recently conducted research study is of great relevance as the information presented is current and thus would offer a sneak preview into the efficacy of translocations in the contemporary setting.
Schultz, Jennifer et al. “Extremely Low Genetic Diversity in the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus Schauinslandi).” Journal of Heredity. 100. 1 (2009): 25-33.
One of the threats to the long-term survival of Hawaiian monk seals that has received little attention over time is genetic diversity. It is important to note that as the authors of this particular article point out from the onset, one of the main raw materials of evolution is genetic variation. Through the relevant screening mechanisms, the authors find “unprecedentedly low levels of allelic diversity and heterozygosity” in reference to the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. This could effectively be one of the key factors affecting the persistence potential of Hawaiian monk seal populations. This article is of great relevance as it brings to the fore a critical factor as far as future Hawaiian monk seal population persistence is concerned. The authors in this case largely succeed in presenting technical and complex information in easy-to-understand and comprehend format.