Endangered Seals

Many seals are endangered because their fur is valuable and their blubber is used for oil, but some seals are actually so common that they are hunted for eating rare fish. The harbor seal is hunted because of this, but is still common. Many seals like the Hawaiin Monk Seal are not as lucky though.

A Hawaiin Monk Seal

There are only about 1100 Hawaiin Monk seals in the world, 310 Saimaa ringed seals, and around 300 Mediterranean Monk seals. These seals may still continue to be hunted, just because seals are so valuable for their goods.

Most Endangered
1. Saimaa Ringed Seals, 310 left
2. Mediterranean Monk Seals, around 350 to 600 left
3. Hawaiin Monk Seals, around 1150 left

Other endangered seals
• Lacs des Loups Marins Harbor Seals, unknown number left, but around 50 to 600
• Bearded Seal, 400,000 left, and is being protected by many foundations, as many more are still dying

Image's license is share alike (by Benjamin Keen)