Galapagos Island Animals, Sea Lions and Fur Sea Lions

Galapagos Island Animals: Sea Lions and Fur Sea Lions

Here are some important differences between the following Galapagos island animals: The Galapagos Sea Lions and Fur Sea Lions.

The two pinniped species that inhabit the Galapagos are the Galapagos (California) Sea Lions and the Galapagos Fur Sea Lion.

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 Fur Sea Lion

galapagos island animals fur sea lion

Galapagos tours from good travel companies will visit several sites that offer encounters with colonies of both species.

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.

Galapagos Sea Lion

galapagos sea lions

Galapagos Sea Lions, on the other hand, live in both types of habitat. Fur sea lions carry a heavy coat; an outer layer of fur, and an under fur.

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.

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.

Some of the differences between these Galapagos island animals are:

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

GALAPAGOS FUR SEA LIONS

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

More Galapagos island animals:

Galapagos Penguins

Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Beautiful Galapagos Birds

Famous Galapagos Finches

More About Galapagos:

Recommended Galapagos Books:

An Identification Guide to the Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands
This is the most comprehensive guide to the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, excellent and detailed descriptions of its extraordinary birds, mammals, and reptiles. (Highly recommended)

Galapagos Islands Born of Fire
This book is elegantly structured with stunning pictures of Galapagos Wildlife, Geology and Vegetation.

It is truly a wonderful and inspiring photo book. (This book is just superb!)

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