Galapagos Sealion

Galapagos Sealion (Zalophus wollebaeki)
Punta Cevallos, Española or Hood Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
ECUADOR. South America
There are approximately 16,000 individuals in the archipelago and numbers are increasing. Males are much larger than females, weighing up to 250kg compared with 100kg in the females. They spend a large amount of time hauled up on sandy beaches. The males establish territories which are savegely defended from rivals. Young bachelors and unsuccessful bulls then leave the area and establish bachelor colonies on the outskirts of female haul-outs. Reproduction occures mainly in the Garua season between July and December and will vary from Island to Island. Sealions are highly thigmotactic (seeking body contact) and loaf around in piles on the beaches. They are extremely efficient hunters, preferring sardines to other fish, so spend a considerable time resting or at play. Underwater they are well streamlined, lithe and acrobatic.

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Filename: 1G5555_Galapagos_Sealion.tif
Copyright: © Pete Oxford
Image Size: 5540x3680 / 58.4MB; Aquatic Ecuador Espanola Island Galapagos Galapagos sea lion Hood Island Islands Mammal Marine Mammal Punta Cevallos Sea Lion South America Zalophus wollebaeki
Contained in galleries: Galapagos General

Galapagos Sealion (Zalophus wollebaeki)<br />
Punta Cevallos, Española or Hood Island, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS<br />
ECUADOR. South America<br />
There are approximately 16,000 individuals in the archipelago and numbers are increasing. Males are much larger than females, weighing up to 250kg compared with 100kg in the females. They spend a large amount of time hauled up on sandy beaches. The males establish territories which are savegely defended from rivals. Young bachelors and unsuccessful bulls then leave the area and establish bachelor colonies on the outskirts of female haul-outs. Reproduction occures mainly in the Garua season between July and December and will vary from Island to Island. Sealions are highly thigmotactic (seeking body contact) and loaf around in piles on the beaches. They are extremely efficient hunters, preferring sardines to other fish, so spend a considerable time resting or at play. Underwater they are well streamlined, lithe and acrobatic.