As the southeast trade winds push the Humboldt Current along the western coast of South America, arriving at tropical latitudes implies mixing with other ocean currents and physical forces. As a result, they become the powerful South Equatorial Current (also known as SEC). Not only do these waters bring cooler temperatures to the geographically tropical Galápagos Islands, but they also bloom with life as plankton thrives in these cooler temperatures, and the salinity of the water is greater. This surplus of nutrients allows dependent species in the ocean to truly thrive. Most importantly, it allows species to reproduce efficiently and maintain relevancy in the ocean’s overall biodiversity.
Sea Lion Pups in The Galapagos Islands During Dry Season
Galapagos sea lions and fur seals are marine mammals found around almost all the islands of the archipelago, though fur seals are not seen as commonly. However, the peak of the dry season (August and September, extending even into October) is when most sea lion pups are born. Thus, we refer to this season as the “pupping months”. Sometimes, guests walking along the shores are lucky enough to see a full labor process and the birth itself.
After about 9 months of gestation, females are ready to give birth, and interestingly enough, it coincides with when the most food is available in the ocean. This ensures that females produce substantial amounts of milk for good nourishment of pups. About a week or two after giving birth, female sea lions enter back into the estrus phase and become pregnant almost right away. Of course, 9 months after August or September does not coincide with the best nourishment conditions. Here’s where an amazing evolutionary adaptation comes into play; it’s called delayed implantation, and it has been studied for years.
Delayed Implantation is a reproductive strategy used by almost 100 different mammals in seven different orders. Here, the embryo does not immediately implant in the uterus, but it is maintained in a state of dormancy. No development takes place during this period and as a result, the normal gestation period is extended, sometimes by as much as one year. This obligated diapause is the mechanism that allows mammals to time the birth of their youngsters with favorable environmental conditions.
The Magic of Pupping season in Galapagos!
Since Galápagos sea lions prefer beaches and shallow access to the ocean, newborns have a continuous playground to stimulate certain senses and development of movement skills. While the majority of pups are born in that stretch between late August and mid-October, development continues all through their “pup stages” and this implies being playful in the water, as well as highly curious while on land. This goes on until around June/July, but subadults retain their gregarious behavior by “hanging out” with other individuals. Guests love to see sea lions in general, but their puppy months leave unique memories. Sea lions are part of the BIG15 wildlife list of the Galápagos Islands.
Text and Photography: Francisco “Pancho” Dousdebés
Melissa Altamirano
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
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Melissa Altamirano
Eduardo Silva
Carolina Escobar
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