also: ちちゅうかいモンクあざらし
Mediterranean monk seal
A species of monk seal (Monachus monachus) native to the Mediterranean Sea. The term is a specific zoological name.
The Mediterranean monk seal is designated as an endangered species.
The population of Mediterranean monk seals is extremely small.
Standard mixed kanji-katakana spelling. The reading アザラシ is restricted to this form.
Kanji spelling using 海豹 for 'seal'; rare and mostly found in older or specialized texts. The reading あざらし is restricted to this form.
Full katakana spelling; usually written in kana. Common in general writing.
Compound of 地中海 (Mediterranean Sea), モンク (monk, from English), and アザラシ (seal). The name reflects the animal's habitat and appearance.