Recovery of Guadalupe fur seals persists as fresh colony unveiled
The Guadalupe fur seal population, currently estimated to be around 41,000 individuals, is experiencing growth at an annual rate of 10-11%. This vulnerable species, which has previously escaped extinction, has made a significant stride with the discovery of new haul-out sites in the Gulf of California.
One such site is El Farallón de San Ignacio Island, where a new colony of Guadalupe fur seals has formed. This new haul-out site, along with others like Las Animas Islet, provides additional resting areas for the seals in Mexico.
The study, published in the journal Marine Mammal Science with the DOI 10.1111/mms.12844, emphasizes the importance of developing a conservation policy that addresses the southern Gulf of California as a feeding ground for these vulnerable seals.
The Guadalupe fur seals primarily feed on opalescent squid, Humboldt squid, and purpleback squid. The new haul-out sites, including El Farallón de San Ignacio Island, provide some good news for the population, as they offer new opportunities for the seals to rest and potentially breed.
Interestingly, most of the animals observed at El Farallón de San Ignacio Island have been juveniles. This suggests that these new sites may play a crucial role in the growth and development of the Guadalupe fur seal population.
Dr. Trites, the study's lead author, stated that these new haul-out sites will be important for understanding the Guadalupe fur seal population's growth and potential changes. He further noted that regular monitoring of these sites is necessary to document their growth and possible changes in body conditions, age and sex-composition, and breeding potential.
It's worth mentioning that the only breeding site for Guadalupe fur seals continues to be on Guadalupe Island. However, the establishment of these new haul-out sites in the Gulf of California is significant, as the species now occurs at four sites in total.
The last discovered resting colony of Guadalupe fur seals in the Gulf of California is located at Isla Guadalupe. A second, well-populated haul-out colony has also formed off the Mexican coast in the Gulf of California. Both El Farallón de San Ignacio Island and Las Animas Islet haul-outs in the Gulf of California are in protected areas, offering some hope for the conservation of this endangered species.
In conclusion, the discovery of new haul-out sites for Guadalupe fur seals in the Gulf of California is a positive development for the species. These sites provide additional resting areas for the seals, offering opportunities for growth and potentially changes in the population. Regular monitoring and the development of a conservation policy are crucial to ensuring the long-term survival of this vulnerable species.
