monk seal
Refers to seals of the genus Monachus. The word is usually written in katakana.
Monk seals are on the verge of extinction.
Katakana spelling is standard for this loanword-based animal name.
Kanji spelling using 海豹 (あざらし) is possible but rarely used; the katakana form is strongly preferred.
From English 'monk seal' + 海豹 (あざらし, 'seal'). The 'monk' part is thought to refer to the seal's solitary habits or the cowl-like folds of skin on its neck.