Abstract
The endangered Galápagos sea lion lives among a rapidly growing human population, and conflicts between humans and sea lions are increasing. Protection of this fragile species requires a better understanding of how anthropogenic activity affects its health and survival. In this study, we engaged a group of local students in a community science project to conduct long‐term observations of the effects of human disturbance on sea lion behavior. We compared three types of behavior – reaction to human approach, vocalizations and group size – across four different haul‐out sites which varied in their levels of human disturbance. We found that sea lions respond less aggressively to humans on beaches that are more disturbed. This may be because sea lions acclimate to human disturbance or because sea lions with a low tolerance for humans avoid disturbed sites. We also found that aggressive vocalizations between sea lions increase as sea lion group size increases, though group size was not linked to human disturbance. We did not quantify stress levels, but aggressive behavior often indicates elevated stress levels, which are energetically costly and can impair immune function. Our results suggest that conservation efforts should focus on limiting human–sea lion interactions and increasing the number and quality of available haul‐out sites.
Highlights
BioOne Complete is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses
Conservation of endangered animal populations requires an understanding of the effects of anthropogenic activity on health and survival
Barks Aggression towards humans Aggression towards sea lions ferent haul-out sites which varied in their levels of human disturbance
Summary
BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses. The endangered Galápagos sea lion lives among a rapidly growing human population, and conflicts between humans and sea lions are increasing. Protection of this fragile species requires a better understanding of how anthropogenic activity affects its health and survival. The endangered Galápagos sea lion Zalophus wollebaeki is one of the Galápagos Archipelago’s most visible and beloved endemic species This highly social marine predator uses sandy beaches and rocky outcroppings throughout the Archipelago as haul-out sites, places where individuals rest, breed and care for their young. A crucial question for the conservation and management of this endangered species is: how does living in such close quarters with a rapidly growing human population affect Galápagos sea lions? A crucial question for the conservation and management of this endangered species is: how does living in such close quarters with a rapidly growing human population affect Galápagos sea lions? The species declined from an estimated
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