Michael Pitts / Hawaiian monk seal caught in fishing tackle off Kure Atoll, Pacific Ocean. The seal was subsequently freed and released by the photographer.

Kevin Schafer / Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) male on beach, Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Doug Perrine / Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) adult male swimming, Deserta Grande, Ilhas Desertas, Parque Natural da Madeira, Portugal, Atlantic Ocean, June. Critically endangered species

Doug Perrine / Female Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) defending her pup from two males, which are aggressive with each other, Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA.

Doug Perrine / Female Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) fighting with a male trying to mate with her, Molokai Island, Hawaii, USA.

Doug Perrine / Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi) aggressive male attacks a five and a half week pup, mother (right) approaches to intervene; Papaloa Beach, Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii, USA

Aflo / ic-09002 Hawaiian monk seal swimming underwater {Mirounga angustirostris} Hawaii

Wild Wonders of Europe / Sá / Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) large male of 2.5 m length. Localy identified by Parque Natural da Madeira as "Metade". Areias, Deserta Grande, Desertas Islands, Madeira, Portugal, August...

Wild Wonders of Europe / S‡ / Male Monk seal (Monachus monachus) portrait, Deserta Grande, Desertas Islands, Madeira, Portugal, August 2009, Critically endangered species. WWE INDOOR EXHIBITION

Wild Wonders of Europe / Sá / Entrance to Monk seal (Monachus monachus) reproduction cave (Tabaceiro) Deserta Grande, Desertas Islands, Madeira, Portugal, August 2009

Wild Wonders of Europe / Sá / Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) juvenile female hunting, Areias, Deserta Grande, Desertas Islands, Madeira, Portugal, August 2009

Wild Wonders of Europe / Sá / Male Monk seal (Monachus monachus) Deserta Grande, Desertas Islands, Madeira, Portugal, August 2009, Critically endangered species