The Guadalupe fur seal is one of six members of the fur seal genus ''Arctocephalus''. Sealers reduced the population to just a few dozen by the late 19th century, but the species had recovered to 10,000 in number by the late 1990s. Many individuals can be found on Mexico's Guadalupe Island.
Similar species: Carnivorans
By Thibaud Aronson
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Uploaded Jul 31, 2016. Captured Feb 27, 2015 19:34 in Unnamed Road, Baja California, Mexico.
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The Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) was nearly hunted to extinction in the late 1800’s, with the known population plummeting to only 7 individuals! In the early 1900’s, it was assumed that they had become extinct. But, in 1954, a small population of 14 individuals was spotted. Guadalupe Island, off the coast of Mexico, is the only breeding ground for these seals. The Mexican government has worked hard to save the seals by giving them protected status since 1975. Plus, Guadalupe Island has been established as a pinniped sanctuary. These conservation efforts have been a success! Fur seal populations are estimated to number at least 34,000, and they are increasing by about 11.5% each year! This is still well below historical estimates of 200,000, but it is a positive step to ensure the future of these magnificent creatures that have literally been saved from the brink of extinction! {Spotted on Isla Guadalupe, Baja California, Mexico by JungleDragon moderator, Thibaud Aronson} #JungleDragon
Posted 6 years ago