Public education is believed to be one of the most important tools in conserving Hawaiian monk seals and their habitats. On June 11, 2008 the Hawaiian monk seal was named Hawaii's official state mammal to raise awareness.
Different organisations have come together to support the conservation of the Hawaiian monk seals and their habitats.
- the Hawaiian Islands Reservation was created by Theodore Roosevelt in 1909
- this reservation later became known as the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge (HINWR) and came under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
- the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- has a group of volunteers that protect the seals when the lay on the beach and when they nurse their pups
- Along with the Marine mammal Center, NOAA is funding a large amount of research on seal health and population dynamics
The male-biased sex ratio has been suggested to have a large negative effect on population growth because of the increased risk of aggressive behaviors. These aggressive behaviors often lead to a decrease in females in the population. Two programs have been put into place that have increased female survival rates.
- Project Headstart was created in 1981
- After weaning, pups are tagged and placed in an enclosed habitat with beach and water. Food is available. The pups leave when they are around three to seven months old.
- another project at French Frigate Shoals was createed in 1984
- Underweight female pups were collected and fed in protective care. They were relocated after a year to the Kure Atoll.
original graphical synthesis
Although it's impossible to know for certain what is causing the increase in births, the increasing trend is promising for the survival of the Hawaiian Monk Seal species.
Good information here too. Again, I think that paragraph form may be more effective, and it should show some pictures! Also- to beat a dead horse- you need to add references.
ReplyDeleteNathan Churches
I think it would be pretty great if you included a little explanation of why we should care about this animal. I know they're cute and all, but what's the bottom line?
ReplyDeleteAn example may be of an ecosystem service they provide. Are they keystone predators? Do they offer subsistence to indigenous peoples? What is the significance of their role in the ecosystem?
I agree with Mark's comment, there should be a tab explaining the need to conserve this species. If we had unlimited money, we would conserve every cute species out there. But we dont, so why should we chose this seal over any other species? Also, more pictures would help keep the audiences attention, and i dont mind the bullet form, it makes it easier to see your organization and much friendlier on the eye than a large paragraph. Either way you choose to organize, dont forget those references! Great start on your blog!
ReplyDelete-Jordan Holley (AD)
So this page is great and it showcases some good conservation efforts already underway, but I think there is something missing here. What are your thoughts on what we should do, and is what you've listed enough? And definitely give us the stakes here. If this animal disappeared from the Earth tomorrow what would be the effects?
ReplyDelete