Page 88 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Sharks & Ocean Predators
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Endangered

Galápagos sea lion

GALÁPAGOS SEA LION While this magnificent mammal lives in a reserve
Zalophus wollebaeki
Class Mammalia protected by the Ecuadorian National Park Authority,
its population fluctuates wildly and since the Sixties

it has decreased from 50,000 to an all-time low of
14,000. Violent storms, pollution, limited food and
Territory Galápagos Islands
Diet Carnivore

Lifespan 20 years human interaction have put a significant dent in this
Adult weight 50-250kg /
110-550lbs animal’s numbers. Despite being an experienced
Conservation status
hunter and predator, a penchant for wandering far
out into the ocean and an innate curiosity towards
ENDANGERED
humans, often lead the rare creatures into danger

Why it’s endangered

Pollution
Galápagos sea lions are particularly
vulnerable to the pollutants that inevitably

find their way into the sea. These creatures
are naturally curious animals, so they often
see floating plastics as toys or objects for

them to play with, which unfortunately are easily
swallowed. More-serious chemical dangers also
lurk in the form of toxic pesticides such as DDT.
Lack of food
Sardines aren’t just a Galápagos sea lion’s primary food

source, they’re also high up on a fisherman’s hit list. What
a seal lion wants to eat, so do humans. As such, over-
fishing has depleted this resource and climate change

hasn’t helped. The Pacific El Niño storm, which revitalises

the seas and increases food available, has become
increasingly irregular in recent years.
Disease
Through a genetic twist, Galápagos sea lions are
particularly vulnerable to diseases that also affect
dogs and domestic animals. Because of their unique
relationship with humans on the Islands, their forays onto
the mainland take them into the streets and parks, as well
as the beaches. This means they frequently come into
contact with other animals that spread illness.

Discover more…
WWW.GALAPAGOSPARK.ORG
Responsible tourism to the Galápagos Islands is
encouraged: the park authority limits tourist numbers and
access to certain areas, so by visiting the sea lion’s natural
habitat, within the rules, you can help secure its future.

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