Friday, June 06, 2008

Human-caused extinction of Caribbean monk seal

It's official, the Caribbean monk seal is extinct. Overhunted during 1700-1900, the small remnant population declined gradually into oblivion.

It's a sad day, and this extinction provides a grim reminder of how serious declines can lead to extinction years later.

Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals are in bad shape and could go extinct in the next few decades. Do we care enough about monk seals to do what's necessary to save the remaining two species? I hope so.

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