Galapagos Sea Lion

Description:

Considered endangered by the IUCN. Galápagos Sea Lions are found throughout the Galápagos Archipelago on all the major islands and on many smaller islands and rocks. A colony was established in 1986 at Isla de la Plata, just offshore from mainland Ecuador, but this site is not regularly used. Vagrants can be seen from the Ecuadorian coast north to Isla Gorgona in Columbia. There is also a record from Isla del Coco approximately 500 km southwest of Costa Rica, presumably a vagrant. The population fluctuates between 20,000 and 40,000 animals. A census in 1978 suggested a population size of about 40,000, but a recent survey in 2001 ? found a 50% decline from this earlier estimate (Alava and Salazar 2006). Methodological differences might exist between counts over this period, but the marked decline suggested is cause for serious concern.

Habitat:

Galápagos Sea Lions are non-migratory. They are unafraid of humans when ashore. Haul-out sites can be on rugged shoreline types, including steep rocky shorelines, ledges and offshore stacks, but colonies are mostly on gently sloping sandy and rocky beaches. Sea lions will use shade from vegetation, rocks, and cliffs, and wade into tidal and drainage pools or move into the ocean, as needed during the heat of the day to avoid overheating.

Notes:

Taken while swimming in a small bay off of San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. Because this species evolved before people came to the islands, they have no natural fear of people and are very inquisitive.