Galapagos Island Animals

The two pinniped species that inhabit this Archipelago are the Galapagos Sea Lions and the Galapagos Fur Sea Lions.

While the two are resident species, both came from opposite origins; northern and southern latitudes, respectively.

While the two species inhabit the shores of these volcanic islands, both have striking differences. These are mostly behavioral and physical.

Galapagos tours from well known travel companies will visit several Galapagos Sites that will offer you incredible encounters with colonies of both species.

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The most common of these animals in Galapagos will be the Galapagos Sea Lion, but as you explore coastlines, looking into crevices, lava tubes, and irregular cuts, you will be able to find the other species.

The Galapagos Fur Sea Lion (incorrectly called fur seal, as there are no true seals in Galapagos) is an endemic species to the Islands, and prefers rocky coastlines. Beaches are usually not part of their regular living habitat.

With all that heavy coat, would you consider a beach for resting? Probably not.

Thus, fur sea lions prefer areas with lots of shade, and with easy exposure to sea access.

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At times, both species of these Galapagos animals are seen within the same area, and they even play aqua-aerobics, but of course do not interbreed. There are many pre-mating isolating barriers that prevent interbreeding.

Differences Between these Galapagos Island Animals:

GALAPAGOS SEA LIONS

• Inhabit beaches and rocky shorelines
• Feed mostly during day time hours
• Rather pointed snout
• Shorter external ear lobes (comparatively)
• Thinner fur coating
• Mating mostly in shallow or deep water
• Sound: mostly growling and barking
• Population: around 40,000 individuals

• Inhabit just rocky shorelines
• Feed mostly during night time hours
• Rather blunt snout
• Longer external ear lobes (comparatively)
• Thicker fur coating
• Mating mostly on land
• Sound: mostly growling
• Population: around 20,000 individuals

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The Diving Guide: Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, is world renowned for adrenaline-charged diving and unique, fearless wildlife. These "Enchanted Islands" beckon both divers and non-divers from around the globe who come to dive with whale sharks and walk with giant tortoises. (This is the best diving guide I've ever read)

More Galapagos Island Animals:

Galapagos Giant Tortoises

Galapagos Birds

Galapagos Finches

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