Hawaiian Monk Seal
by Chuck Ripper
Title
Hawaiian Monk Seal
Artist
Chuck Ripper
Medium
Painting - Gouache Watercolor On Masonite
Description
Native to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian Monk Seal once prospered in great numbers. Human expansion into the seal's habitat, however, caused its population to decline drastically. In 1859, a single hunting expedition resulted in the slaughter of 1,500 seals. Colonization in the early 19th century further displaced these animals from several of their original island habitats. By the early 20th century, it was believed that the Hawaiian Monk Seal was endangered or possibly extinct. Today the species inhabits only four atolls in the Hawaiian Islands. During the last 20 years, the population has continued to decline by an estimated50 percent and only 700 to 1,000 Hawaiian Monk Seals remain. This water mammal is medium-sized, roughly 6« feet long and weighs 330 pounds. Mating occurs underwater during spring and summer. Gestation takes one year. During this time the female may double in weight, reaching 660 pounds. The newborn pup is born on the shore and may be over three feet long, weighing as much as 40 pounds. Within 30 to 40 days the pup doubles its weight. Throughout the newborn's vulnerable six-week suckling time, the mother never leaves the pup, not even to eat. She relies on her excess fat reserves to survive. Except during this early neonatal relationship and mating season, Hawaiian Monk Seals prefer a solitary life, avoiding physical contact with one another.
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1996 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB15504
Uploaded
September 21st, 2022
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