What is a "monk seal"?

The monk seal is a type of seal that belongs to the family Phocidae and is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Hawaiian Islands. They are known for their round, robust bodies covered in a short, dense coat of fur that can range in color from light gray to brown. Monk seals have distinctively large eyes and whiskers, which are used for sensing their surroundings and finding prey. They are known for their solitary and elusive nature, often resting on sandy beaches or rocky shores during the day and hunting for fish and other marine creatures at night. Monk seals are considered endangered or critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities, and conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve their populations.