SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL HAUL OUT PATTERNS OF THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL (MONACHUS SCHAUISLANDI) AT MIDWAY ATOLL, 1997-2000

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2003

Advisors

Crowder, Larry B

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Repository Usage Stats

300
views
296
downloads

Abstract

The Hawaiian monk seal is an endangered species with a current population of approximately 1400 animals. Seals are distributed primarily at six sites in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. The most depleted of these subpopulations occurs at Midway Atoll. Seal numbers declined at Midway by over 90% from the 1950s to 1990s and currently stand at approximately 70 animals. A cooperative agreement between the National Marine Fisheries Service and Hawaii Wildlife Fund in 1997 led to the establishment of a year-round monk seal monitoring program at Midway Atoll from 1997 – 2000. This project reports results from this year-round study. Data for the study were based primarily on beach censuses that monitored monk seal haul outs at Midway Atoll. Analyses examined (1) changes in haul out patterns by island over time, (2) seasonal patterns in haul outs, (3) the influence of the barrier reef on monk seal beach counts, (4) preferred pupping habitat, and (5) differences between year-round and seasonal data. Results indicate that there was a shift in haul outs between islands over the course of the study. A strong seasonal pattern in beach counts for immature animals was also identified. The barrier reef was identified as an important haul out area, particularly for immature animals. Preferred pupping sites were identified. Finally, year-round studies were shown to be valuable in the identification of mother/pup pairs and in the development of female reproductive histories. Seasonal and yearround studies performed equally well in determining average annual beach counts. This study may prove important in identifying potential causes of the slow increase in the Midway monk seal subpopulation. It may also suggest possible remedies or management actions to promote or accelerate the recovery of monk seals at Midway Atoll. Recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Description

Provenance

Citation

Citation

Mangel, Jeffrey C. (2003). SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL HAUL OUT PATTERNS OF THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL (MONACHUS SCHAUISLANDI) AT MIDWAY ATOLL, 1997-2000. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/267.


Dukes student scholarship is made available to the public using a Creative Commons Attribution / Non-commercial / No derivative (CC-BY-NC-ND) license.