Galápagos sea lion
The smallest sea lions in the world
Galápagos sea lions grow to a maximum length of 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) and weigh 400 kilograms (880 lb), making them the smallest sea lion species in the world. They were long considered a subspecies of the California sea lion, but are now regarded as a separate species. The population fluctuates between 20,000 and 50,000 animals, and the species has been classified as critically endangered since 1996. In addition to the El Niño weather events, Galápagos sharks and killer whales pose a particular threat to the sea lions.
Colony on Isla de la Plata
Their distribution area covers all the islands of the archipelago. In addition, a colony of Galápagos sea lions has settled on the Isla de la Plata near the Ecuadorian coast.
Behavior towards humans
As they are not afraid of humans, these curious animals are very popular with tourists and can also be easily studied scientifically. Unlike sea bears and most sea lion species, the social structures of Galápagos sea lions are rather loose and less organized.
FACTS
- Binominal name: Zalophus wollebaeki
- Other names: Lobo marino de Galápagos (Spanish for “Galápagos sea wolf”)
- Distribution: Galápagos Islands, Isla de la Plata near the Ecuadorian coast
- First described: 1953 (E. Sivertsen)
Galápagos sea lion Folding Card
This souvenir note from the Galápagos Islands Series is dedicated to the Galápagos sea lion. Printed on genuine security paper, it features a Galápagos tortoise as a gold foil patch, motifs in UV color and haptic elements. While the vertically designed obverse depicts a group of sea lions, the reverse shows a portrait of Charles Darwin and Darwin's Arch before its collapse in 2021. Under UV light, the current appearance of the rock formation is visible. The Galápagos Series, which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Galápagos sea lions, stylized Galápagos tortoise, map of the Galápagos Islands
Reverse: Darwin's Arch rock formation southeast of Darwin Island, portrait of Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
