The next few sketches will be of endangered Hawaiian species because Hawaii is near and dear to my heart. At one time Hawaii had the highest number of endangered species for one particular area. I’m not sure if it still does. This is a Hawaiian monk seal. It’s an earless seal, meaning it doesn’t have the little ear flap like some do. They’re endemic to the Hawaiian islands and are listed as critically endangered. Known to Hawaiians as ilio holo i ka uaua, or “dog that runs through rough water”. It’s common name came from the short head hairs which were said to resemble a monk. The adult male Hawaiian monk seal weighs between 300-400 lbs and grow up to 7 feet in length. They can live 25-30 years. They often come up onto shore to sun themselves. They are protected by the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is illegal to kill, capture, or harass (in any way) a Hawaiian monk seal. Violators can be fined up to $50,000 and spend a year in prison for so much as touching one.