The endemic Galapagos fur seal is typically thought of as the less common version of the Galapagos sea lion or the “less popular sea lion” if you will. However, many are surprised to find that the populations of the two species are actually quite similar in number. The difference is that, while the sea lion is often found lounging on any sunny beach it can find, the fur seal is more particular, preferring shady and rugged coastlines where explorers may have a hard time spotting them. In reality, coastal exploration and some very specific walks are the only ways of finding fur seals in Galapagos. Most populations of Galapagos fur seals are found on Isabela and Fernandina islands. Furthermore, visitors often mistake the fur seal for the sea lion due to their similar morphological traits. However, the fur seal maintains a few traits that make it particularly unique, as Galapagos species tend to be.
Appearance: Am I seeing a water bear?
The fur seal’s scientific name is Arctocephalus galapagoensis, and it very simply means ‘bear headed.’ And this is quite an accurate description, too, as the Galapagos fur seal has a short, pointed muzzle and a little button nose with large black eyes, giving it the face of a small bear. Indeed, its bear-like appearance is perhaps the best way to distinguish it from its close relative and frequent neighbor, the Galapagos sea lion. Despite its ‘seal’ name, the Galapagos fur seal is a pinniped and is very closely related to the Galapagos sea lion, making it difficult to tell the two apart. The key difference is the coat. Fur seals have significantly thicker coats made up of longer hairs. On the other hand, the sea lion has a much pointier nose, while the Galapagos fur seal has a broader and shorter head. Fur seals also have more visible ears and are generally smaller than the sea lion. Overall size is different too, as fur seals are smaller than Galapagos sea lions.
Adaptations of the Galapagos Fur Seal: Show me some shade!
Because of their thick coats, fur seals have developed several behavioral and physical adaptions to survive in the Galapagos heat. Fur seals must keep their internal body temperature at approximately 99.8 °F (37.7 °C) and, consequently, have to thermoregulate their body temperature to avoid overheating. Mother fur seals teach their young to cool themselves in tidal pools, and in the shade of cliffs and rocks. Furthermore, their small size and ability to sweat allows them to release heat more efficiently than the sea lion. Their cardiovascular system also aids in cooling by sending more blood to their flippers to dissipate body heat if it is warm and sending less blood if it is cold. If you’re looking to empathize with these magnificent creatures, just imagine yourself on a hot, sunny day wearing a thick fur coat!
Behavior – look at me closely
Adult male fur seals are extraordinarily territorial, with approximately 30% of males dying in territorial fights every year. A male can mate with anywhere between six and sixteen females and lives with his females in an area of about 1,000 to 2,000 square feet (100 to 200 square meters). Males will frequently wander into another’s territory in search of a female, and defending such large territories can be difficult. As a result, the males defend rather aggressively. The Galapagos fur seal males storm their territory, threatening and fighting any males who get too close. In fact, they will only abandon their territory once they are completely depleted of all energy and must leave land to go eat in the ocean.
Breeding: Just one pup at a time
Females typically give birth to one pup between late September and early October, when the temperatures are cooler and there are higher levels of nutrients in the water. Galapagos fur seals have the longest nursing period of all fur seals, lasting between one and two years, and sometimes even longer. The long nursing period could possibly be a mechanism to increase survival rates during periods of scarcity, like during El Niño. However, as a result, females seldom give birth more than every two years and will rarely give birth if they are still nursing a pup. Unfortunately, the female is unable to care for two pups, so the second born has little chance of surviving, typically dying from starvation or siblicide.
Diving: Fur seals do it deeper!
The Galapagos fur seal is a nocturnal hunter and can dive to impressive depths to capture its prey, which typically consists of fish or small squid. Shorter dives range anywhere from 33 to 164 feet (10 to 50 meters); however, longer dives can go beyond 328 feet (100 meters). Females have been observed diving to a maximum depth of 554 feet (169 meters).
Interestingly, the Galapagos fur seals seem to be very attuned to lunar cycles, and their feeding habits vary depending on the phase of the lunar month. All fur seals, including nursing females, feed significantly less during the full moon. One study found that foraging trips during the new moon lasted between 50-70 hours and only around 10-20 hours during the full moon. This could be due to the fact that they are more visible to predators during the full moon and that their prey moves deeper underwater to avoid the light.
Melissa Altamirano
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
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Melissa Altamirano
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
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Finding Galapagos Fur Seals: Come and find me at the equator
Best locations for finding fur seals during coastal exploration outings include Galapagos tours to islands like North Seymour, Floreana, Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago. Perhaps the only location where you can actually walk through a visitor site along the coast and find fur seals is Puerto Egas, Santiago Island. One snorkeling location where fur seals are regularly seen is up north in Genovesa Island, where the steep cliffs near Prince Philip Steps provide easy access to the fur seals’ deep-water feeding habitat. Various exploration itineraries will bring visitors closer to the unusual spots for finding fur seals.
Blog Reviewed by: Francisco Dousdebés
Image Credits: Francisco Dousdebés
