Why Is It Called a Monk Seal
The Hawaiian Name for the Monk Seal Is “Ilio-Holo-I-Ka-Uaua, ” Which Means “Dog Running in the Rough Water. ” They May Look Slightly Doglike Because They Are...
The Hawaiian name for the monk seal is “ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua,” which means “dog running in the rough water.” They may look slightly doglike because they are somewhat closely related to canines. The seal’s common name comes from the thick fold of skin around the neck that resembles the hood of a monk’s robe.
How did the monk seal get its name?
What is the Hawaiian monk seal? The Hawaiian monk seal is named for its folds of skin that somewhat resemble a monk’s cowl, and because it’s usually seen alone or in small groups. Pups are born black, but as they age they morph into shades of gray and brown.
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What is the difference between a monk seal and a seal?
The Hawaiian monk seal is a pinniped, a member of the group of marine mammals that includes the seals, sea lions, fur seals, and walruses. The monk seal is a “true seal” and differs from seal lions (eared seals) in several significant ways: True seals lack the external ear flaps seen in the sea lions.