Hawaiian Monk Seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) is in the Earless Seals family (Phocidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,415 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in January.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
Conservation status (iNaturalist): VU.
When to photograph Hawaiian Monk Seal: observations by month (U.S.)
About Hawaiian Monk Seal
The Hawaiian monk seal, Neomonachus schauinslandi (formerly Monachus schauinslandi), is an endangered species of earless seal in the family Phocidae that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Hawaiian Monk Seal by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 3,415 | January | Dec–Nov |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Earless Seals)
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Hawaiian Monk Seal?
Nationally, January has the most observations, with the main season from December to November.
Where is Hawaiian Monk Seal most often seen?
The most observations come from Hawaii.