Monk seals are ear-less seals of the tribe Monachini. They are the only ear-less seals found in tropical climates. All species experienced over-hunting by sealers. The Hawaiian monk seal experienced population drops in the 19th century and during World War II, and the Caribbean monk seal was exploited since the 1500s until the 1850s, when populations were too low to hunt commercially.  Monk seals have developed a fear of humans, and may even abandon beaches due to human presence. There are currently around 1,700 monk seals in total. If something isnt done about the situation, the monk seals population will continue to drop until there aren't any more left.