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The future of Galapagos Sea Lion Zalophus wollebaeki and Galapagos Fur Seal Arctocephalus galapagoensis populations was evaluated with reference to a conservative model of predicted climate change. Populations of both species will decrease during strong El Niño events and disease outbreaks will likely increase. Fur Seals may be exposed to a high risk of extinction if thermocline depth increases during extended warming events, since they can feed only near the surface and depend on upwelling. While predictions of the oceanographic conditions around Galapagos for the next 50 years remain uncertain, the combination of climate change and other human-induced threats (disease, disturbance, massacres and pollution) increases the need for conservation measures to protect these animals and their ecosystem. |
