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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 Galapagos Crabs Sea lions in Galapagos are commonly seen in the Islands where there are sandy beaches and rocky shores.  Find Cheap Air Flights to the Galapagos Islands here Galapagos Sea Lions are smaller than the Californian sea lions. Male sea lions in Galapagos can weight up to 250 kg. and measure up to 2.4 mt. Female sea lions can measure up to 1.8 mt and weight up to 90 kg. 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. 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 frequently bark in land and underwater to indicate his territorial ownership. Fights are frequent on sea lions' territories. Males will start biting and pushing each other and as a result of these fights many scares are very common between sea lions. Sea lions cannot feed while defending their territory, they can remain in that place somewhere between a couple of days to up to 3 months. 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. The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island is always monitoring and taking care of the population and behavior of sea lions. Its Main Objectives Are:
Recommended Galapagos Reading:Marine Life of the Galapagos: Divers' Guide to the Fish, Whales, Dolphins and Marine Invertebrates A definitive guide that introduces many new species of marine life never seen before, and rich with stunning color photography and underwater shots. Written for readers and divers with a passion for visiting a world-acclaimed diving destination. Wildlife of the Galapagos (Traveler's Guide) Galapagos North Seymour Island If you have questions about the Galapagos sea lion or if you need more information about our recommended Galapagos Vacation Packages to visit these Islands, You can Contact us here
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