It is a "Critically Endangered" animal according to the IUCN red list.

In the wild, there are fewer than 600 currently surviving.

They live in caves that can be entered only under water.

Their survival is threatened by habit deterioration and loss, seal hunts, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, decrease of food supply and disease.

Many conservation efforts have been attempted. And some areas where the seals reside have been established as protected marine areas.