The Galapagos sea lion is a coastal animal that breeds in the Galapagos Islands, as the name suggests. But some of them are also spotted on the Isla de la Plata, close to mainland Ecuador. These animals are most noted for their playful and social nature. They are seen in waters, sandy beaches and rocky areas that connect to waters.
Typically, sea lions have smooth and streamlined bodies. It makes them smart hunters, especially of sardines. The animals are as well brilliant divers that can dive up to depths of 200 metres.
However, in spite of their smartness, Galapagos sea lions face serious challenges for survival. The natural predators of these animals are sharks and killer whales. But their main threat is the El Nino event which disturbs the marine life on which they depend.
Many of the animals migrated, while several others died of starvation. Other than El Nino, sea lions are also vulnerable to threats caused by humans.
Currently, there are just less than 50,000 Galapagos sea lions alive.
Picture credit: google