Fur Seal (Galapagos)

Galapagos Wildlife: Galapagos Fur Seal © Meier

Galapagos Fur Seal © Meier

Species Data

Common Name Galapagos fur seal
Scientific Name Arctocephalus galapagoensis
Spanish Name Oso marino de las Galapagos
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Endangered © Dan Wright

Endangered 

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Endemic 

Size up to 1.5m
Average Lifespan Up to 20 years
Predators Orcas and sharks
Food Piscivore (fish, octopi and small squid)
Animal Class Mammal

Species Overview

Galapagos fur seals are typically found on the rocky shores of the western islands of the Galapagos Archipelago in small groups of six to ten individuals. They are generally smaller and shyer than Galapagos sea lions and are fully protected under Ecuadorian Law after they were hunted to near extinction by humans in the early 20th century.

Galapagos fur seals have large eyes so that they can hunt at night and still keep a look out for predators such as sharks. Although they are capable of diving to much deeper depths, seals tend to dive to between 10 and 50m.

For further information you can visit: