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Galapagos Sea LionIt is one of the most numerous marine mammals in the Galapagos Islands, there are more than 50,000 individuals. Sea lions are well adapted to its semi-aquatic lifestyle. They are always playing with each other or with surrounding animals like penguins, marine iguanas or red crabs.
Males have a bump on the forehead, have a thick an strong neck and their color is brown, while female’s color is lighter tan. Their average lifespan is of 20 years. They are playful animals on land and in the sea so they are known to be very sociable animals. Sea lions live in groups and sleep sometimes on top of each other. They have a variety of vocalizations which includes growling, barking, and honking. Their food is mainly fish which includes salmon, herring, anchovies, herring and octopus. Sea lions eat up to 35 pounds of fish per day and they usually make long trips to find it. Their swimming speed is of around 30 km per hour. The Galapagos sea lion has a streamlined body with strong and long flippers to help him swim. They have a good control of their back fins which also give them more agility. Amongst its characteristics are their excellent eyesight and a well developed sense of smell. Galapagos sea lions form colonies or groups at their respective territory. They are referred as harems and each group has a dominant male sea lion. Female sea lions are free to go where they please from one territory to another. The male's harem is a piece of land which they defend bravely. Males will start biting and pushing each other and as a result of these fights many scares are very common between sea lions. When they get tired and weak they will be removed by a stronger sea lion. Nine months after mating the female Galapagos sea lion gives birth to a single pup. They give birth on land, amongst a group that may contain up to 900 sea lions. Pups measure around 75 cm at birth and they can swim. Their color at birth is dark brown and almost black but this color will eventually lighten as they grow. Pups begin to eat fish after 2 months and stay with their mothers for at least a year. Then they gradually start to find their own independence. The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island is always monitoring and taking care of the population and behavior of sea lions. Its Objectives are:
More About Galapagos:About This Galapagos SiteGalapagos Islands Family Adventure Galapagos Map Galapagos Island Pictures Free Galapagos Travel Brochures Galapagos Recommended Reading:An Identification Guide to the Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos IslandsThis 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) Marine Life of the Galapagos: If you have questions about Galapagos or if you need assistance to book one of our recommended Galapagos Island Cruises Please send me your inquires here
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