Fur seals

Scientists to monitor site

Scientists to monitor site

Scientists want to monitor the seals’ growth, body conditions, age and sex-composition, and breeding potential, to ensure that this vulnerable species continues to escape extinction.Photo: Andrew Trites

Another established resting site

Another established resting site

Now another established resting or “haul-out” site has been found on El Fallarón de San Ignacio Island on the eastern side of the Gulf of California. Photo: Jorge Paul Orduño García

Only one breeding location

Only one breeding location

There is only breeding location for these seals on Guadalupe Island, in the Pacific Ocean, with another established haul-out nearby on the San Benito Islands. Photo: Jorge Paul Orduño García

“Eared” seals

“Eared” seals

Dark brown to grayish-black, Guadalupe fur seals are members of the ‘eared seal’ family (Otariidae), and have visible earflaps (pinnae). Photo credit: Luis M Burciaga

Artisan fishers near El Fallarón de San Ignacio Island

Artisan fishers near El Fallarón de San Ignacio Island

El Fallarón de San Ignacio Island on the eastern side of the Gulf of California, is also an important artisan fisheries site, and researchers want to monitor the area closely so that no conflict occurs. Photo credit: Photo: Jorge Paul Orduño García

Sexual dimorphism in Guadalupe fur seals

Sexual dimorphism in Guadalupe fur seals

Sexual dimorphism – males being larger than females – in Guadalupe fur seals. Photo credit: Luis M Burciaga

Guadalupe fur seal

Guadalupe fur seal

Hunted nearly to extinction for their fur, these seals have increased in number since the 1950s. Photo credit: Luis M Burciaga