Monk seal is one of a group of the rarest seals in the world. These endangered seals include two living species (kinds): Mediterranean monk seals, which are found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean near the northwest coast of Africa, and Hawaiian monk seals, which are found in the Pacific Ocean near the Hawaiian Islands. The Caribbean monk seal once lived in the Caribbean Sea but is now extinct. The name monk seal comes from the seal’s solitary behavior and the folds of dark skin on its rounded head that resemble the hood of a monk.
Monk seals measure about 7 to 9 feet (2.1 to 2.8 meters) long and weigh 380 to 880 pounds (170 to 400 kilograms). They are brown to dark gray or black on their backs with lighter bellies. Pups are born black to dark brown.
Monk seals live mostly in remote, undisturbed areas. A female monk seal gives birth to a single pup. Mediterranean monk seal pups are born in marine caves and nurse for 4 to 5 months. The mother leaves her pup to eat and then returns to care for her pup in the cave. Hawaiian monk seal pups are born on beaches. The mother stays with her pup and does not eat until she weans (leaves) the pup after 5 to 6 weeks. Newborn pups weigh 25 to 60 pounds (11 to 27 kilograms) and can reach over 200 pounds (90 kilograms) at weaning. 
Monk seals eat a variety of animals, including fish, octopus, squid, eels, and such crustaceans as crabs, shrimp, and lobsters. Monk seals can dive more than 1,800 feet (550 meters), and they can hold their breath up to 20 minutes to find prey near the seafloor. However, most dives are shallower and last around 6 minutes. Sharks are the only known predators of monk seals. 
There are many threats to the monk seal population. Monk seals may be hooked by fishermen or entangled in active fishing nets or in marine debris (old fishing nets, ropes, or trash). Disease, human disturbance, and habitat destruction also harm these seals. Both Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals are protected by law. Most of these seals live in large, protected marine areas. Monk seals may live more than 30 years.
