James Island
As we roamed around on our afternoon’s walk, we were faced with the riches of the unique coastline of Puerto Egas. It is rich in geological formations that leave one with the impression of walking on a three-dimensional map. The concentration of red from the Sally-light foot crabs at this high tide allow us the springtime hues that we often take for granted in our temperate latitudes. And then of course, the only place in our trip where we’re able to tread with the endemic Galapagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis).
When spotted, folk are often surprised at the similarity of our fur seals with the more common Galapagos sea lion. Differences include the smaller size, the rocky habitat and the husky vocals of the fur seal. Physiologically, however, they do closely resemble other sea lions due to the fact that the fur seal is not a true seal but in fact, a sea lion. Its sea lion characteristics include its powerful forelimbs, and its hind limbs that can turn to enable walking like a true quadruped. To distinguish the fur seal from a Galapagos sea lion, one can notice an up-turned nose (see photo), a shorter, broader head and huge eyes which enable a nocturnal existence. The presence of the thick fur is the fundamental difference that the fur-sealers were interested in exploiting. Along with other similar species, the Galapagos fur seal was hunted to near-extinction a century ago, but today, it is thought to have recovered to it’s original numbers of six to seven thousand.
With its rich history of pirates, whaling and a visit by Darwin, we completed our action-packed day on King James and Bartolomé Islands in time to learn about the local plankton. Using our stereoscopic microscope and huge plasma screen, we were able to enlarge and appreciate what many snorkelers may have accidentally swallowed.
As we roamed around on our afternoon’s walk, we were faced with the riches of the unique coastline of Puerto Egas. It is rich in geological formations that leave one with the impression of walking on a three-dimensional map. The concentration of red from the Sally-light foot crabs at this high tide allow us the springtime hues that we often take for granted in our temperate latitudes. And then of course, the only place in our trip where we’re able to tread with the endemic Galapagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis).
When spotted, folk are often surprised at the similarity of our fur seals with the more common Galapagos sea lion. Differences include the smaller size, the rocky habitat and the husky vocals of the fur seal. Physiologically, however, they do closely resemble other sea lions due to the fact that the fur seal is not a true seal but in fact, a sea lion. Its sea lion characteristics include its powerful forelimbs, and its hind limbs that can turn to enable walking like a true quadruped. To distinguish the fur seal from a Galapagos sea lion, one can notice an up-turned nose (see photo), a shorter, broader head and huge eyes which enable a nocturnal existence. The presence of the thick fur is the fundamental difference that the fur-sealers were interested in exploiting. Along with other similar species, the Galapagos fur seal was hunted to near-extinction a century ago, but today, it is thought to have recovered to it’s original numbers of six to seven thousand.
With its rich history of pirates, whaling and a visit by Darwin, we completed our action-packed day on King James and Bartolomé Islands in time to learn about the local plankton. Using our stereoscopic microscope and huge plasma screen, we were able to enlarge and appreciate what many snorkelers may have accidentally swallowed.
