Anatomy

This photo shows the differences in the crania, between the Mediterranean Monk Seal, the Hawaiian monk Seal, and the Caribbean Monk Seal which is now extinct.

Lateral views of crania of a: Monachus monachus b: Neomonachus schauinslandi, and c: Neomonachus tropicalis. Arrows indicate the more developed occipital crest and zygomatic arches, and deeper snout of Monachus compared to Neomonachus species.

I have chosen an organism so endangered and rare, locating pictures and information on the skeletal or anatomical aspects of this beautiful marine mammal, is just as rare.

A monk seal skeleton assembled by sanctuary volunteer Renee Lackey. The skeleton is currently the only one in the world available for public viewing and can be seen at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS) Education Center.

References

Rare monk seal skeleton on display for a limited time at Maui Sanctuary Education Center. (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/monkseal.html

Lateral views of crania of a monachus monachus B neomonachus... (n.d.). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Lateral-views-of-crania-of-a-Monachus-monachus-b-Neomonachus-schauinslandi-and_fig5_262883162