Page 89 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Galápagos sea lions
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Decreasing numbers

Only a fi h of the Galápagos sea lion

population exists today

Galápagos 1914
Estimated number of Estimated total animal
animals left today population 100 years ago
14,000 70,000

Island paradise
protection

The Galápagos National Park, or Parque
Nacional Galápagos as it’s known in its native
tongue, works towards the preservation of the
natural wildlife of this unique island group.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and
historic location of Darwin’s famous 19th-
century voyage, the Galápagos Islands are
a natural wonder that Parque Nacional
Galápagos is serious about preserving.
Initially, the animals in this area didn’t fear
humans like the rest of the world’s animals
do. However, in recent years there’s been an
increase in sea lion attacks from humans, as
well as accidental fishing gear entanglements.

As such, a program was launched to protect
the species and help them better cohabit with
the human population.
The gem in the collection of unique species,
which has evolved in isolation over thousands
Where they live of years in the area, is the Galápagos sea lion.

Part of the national park’s effort to protect
As its name suggests, the
this animal is a regular, detailed population
Galápagos sea lion is a species that
census. With the data recorded by the census,
lives exclusively on the rocks and

the park officials can follow up with a sample
in the ocean around the volcanic
and analysis of the disease prevalent in the
Galápagos Islands, just off the
population. They can also manage nurseries
Ecuadorian coast. It also lives in © IMAGEBROKER,NORBERT PROBST/Imagebroker/FLPA
and educate local schoolchildren about the
smaller numbers on the nearby Isla
importance of conservation and protection for
de la Plata.
the creatures.
Galápagos Islands
and Isla de la Plata For more information and to arrange a visit to
territory in 2014 the Islands, go to www.galapagospark.org.
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