Common name:
Galapagos fur seal
Scientific name:
Arctocephalus galapagoensis
Spanish name:
Oso marino de las Galápagos
Conservation status:
Endangered
Average lifespan:
10 years
Average size:
1.3 metres (females) / 1.5 metres (males)
Average weight:
27 kilograms (females) / 64 kilograms (males)
Galapagos fur seals are typically found on the rocky shores of the western islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. They are endemic to the Islands, and due to their decreasing population size they are classed as Endangered by the IUCN. They are the smallest in the family of otariids (the eared seals), and have a greyish-brown fur coat.
They are very similar in appearance to the Galapagos sea lion, however there are some key differences to tell them apart. Fur seals are generally smaller with broader and shorter heads. They have bulging eyes and ears that protrude more than sea lions’, and larger front flippers that aid in climbing rockier ground. The biggest difference is probably in their coat, which is much thicker than that of the sea lions.
It is often thought that the Galapagos fur seal is much less abundant than the Galapagos sea lion, but their population numbers are actually fairly similar. They are just less likely to be seen by visitors as they prefer rockier, shaded areas, which are less likely to be frequented by tourists.
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"45% of all plastic used along the Pacific coastline of South and Central America is inadequately managed, leaking 1 million tonnes of plastic each year."
We are working with partners across the Eastern Pacific to make Galapagos plastic pollution free once again, identifying the sources and impacts of plastic and supporting innovative solutions.
Please help us conserve the endangered wildlife of Galapagos by donating today or by adopting a sea lion.
