Effects of the 1997-1998 El Niño on population size and diet of the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)
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Date
2003-12
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The multi-annual climatic event, El Niño SouthernOscillation (ENSO) is an important factor in the populationdynamics of coastal marine species in the Galápagos.The Galápagos sea lion, Zalophus wollebaeki, suffered anapparent population decline of about 50%, consideringboth mortality and movements away from study sitesduring the 1997-98 El Niño. This change was in part dueto changes in the availability of sardines of the FamilyClupeidae, its main prey. These declines resulted partlyfrom elevated mortality (35%) in sea lion colonies, particularly among pups, juveniles (< 1 year old), anddominant males and as a result of movements of adultselsewhere (15%), presumably where there were alternativeprey and better environmental conditions.Journal
Noticias de GalapagosVolume
62Page Range
40-45Collections