Skin Structure of the Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi)

Abstract

Skin samples from the dorsal region of the torsos of Hawaiian Monk Seals were examined histologically to determine if there were any features of the structure of the skin that might explain the reputed heat tolerance of these seals. The skin structure was compatible with an animal exposed to strong solar radiation, in which nonevaporative heat loss was promoted, but little could be discerned to suggest the existence of functional evaporative cooling mechanisms.