Population status, anthropogenic stressors and conservation of the galapagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis): An overview

The Galapagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis) is the smallest otariid of the world and a marine mammal species endemic to the Galapagos Islands Archipelago (Fig. 1). Galapagos fur seals inhabit most of the western islands (Isabela, Fernandina, Marchena, Genovesa, Santiago, Seymour), but are occasionally observed throughout the Galapagos Archipelago. They prefer to live and rest on rocky shores in close proximity to deep productive water, and use crevices, caves, large boulders and rock ledges for shade and shelter (Trillmich 1987, Godwin 1990, Merlen 1995, Salazar et al. 2011; Figs. 1A-1D).