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Evaluating the Risk of Toxoplasma gondii Exposure for Hawaiian Monk Seals: A Conceptual Map & Research Directions
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2020
[PDF-712.25 KB]
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Description:Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi) in the main Hawaiian Islands (Niihau to Hawaii Island; MHI) make up a crucial component of the species’ recovery potential. Although seals in the MHI constitute just more than 20% of the total Hawaiian monk seal population (~300 seals in the MHI and ~1,100 in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands estimated in 2019; Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program 2019), positive trends in the MHI have been one greatest signs of population rebound (Baker and Johanos 2004, Baker et al. 2011). The Recovery Plan for the Hawaiian Monk Seal highlights the importance of the MHI with the priority statement to “Ensure the natural recovery of the Hawaiian monk seal in the MHI.” An important component of safeguarding monk seal recovery in the MHI is pointed out in the Recovery Plan’s following priority statement “Reduce the probability of the inadvertent introduction of infectious diseases into the Hawaiian monk seal population.” Toxoplasmosis is a disease of primary concern for MHI monk seals, due to its apparently acute lethality and heavy impacts on breeding female seals. This parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, depends on cats to complete its life cycle; thus, in order to understand how this pathogen infects marine mammals, it is essential to understand aspects of the terrestrial ecosystem and land-to-sea transport. In this document, we propose a framework to characterize our understanding of the risk of environmental exposure to T. gondii for Hawaiian monk seals, evaluate data gaps and their influence on research and management strategies, and inform future recommendations for risk mitigation.
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