Abstract
The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schaundslandi), along with their genetic cousin the Mediterranean monk seal, is one of the most endangered species on the planet, largely due to a combination of environmental and anthropogenic influences. The analysis of both organic and inorganic components of the animals' tooth and bone complexes, in coordination with age assessment, will allow us to ascertain critical information regarding changes to their habitats and the effects of such changes on the animals. Tooth and bone samples from 225 naturally deceased Hawaiian monk seals, enocompassing the past four decades, have been collected from the Northwest Hawaiian Isalnd chain (NWHI) and Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). The stable carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, respectively) provide a record of dietary and environmental change and are reflected in the growth of a tooth and bone collagen as the animal ages. One hundred thirty-six canine teeth are being sectioned and growth layers counted to ascertain the age of the aniimals for specific years' data. Two hundred twenty bone samples have had collagen extracted and processed for stable isotope ratios. Primary productivity within the central and southern NWHI is much less than the productivity seen throughout the northern NWHI. Less production indicates less food and longer food webs for the organisms in these areas. These data provide information critical to the survival of not only this endangered species but all marine organisms in the region.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Amy C. Hirons
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-4-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
4-4-2014 5:30 PM
Hawaiian Monk Seals - Record of Environmental Influence in an Endangered Species
Alvin Sherman Library
The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schaundslandi), along with their genetic cousin the Mediterranean monk seal, is one of the most endangered species on the planet, largely due to a combination of environmental and anthropogenic influences. The analysis of both organic and inorganic components of the animals' tooth and bone complexes, in coordination with age assessment, will allow us to ascertain critical information regarding changes to their habitats and the effects of such changes on the animals. Tooth and bone samples from 225 naturally deceased Hawaiian monk seals, enocompassing the past four decades, have been collected from the Northwest Hawaiian Isalnd chain (NWHI) and Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). The stable carbon, nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, respectively) provide a record of dietary and environmental change and are reflected in the growth of a tooth and bone collagen as the animal ages. One hundred thirty-six canine teeth are being sectioned and growth layers counted to ascertain the age of the aniimals for specific years' data. Two hundred twenty bone samples have had collagen extracted and processed for stable isotope ratios. Primary productivity within the central and southern NWHI is much less than the productivity seen throughout the northern NWHI. Less production indicates less food and longer food webs for the organisms in these areas. These data provide information critical to the survival of not only this endangered species but all marine organisms in the region.
