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GNP NEWS: The GNPS Investigates the Health of Sea Lions
15 January 2010
The information gathered will reveal whether there are any diseases or parasites that affect this species.
More than 60 sea lions of the species Zalophus wollebaeki from the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Fe were monitored by the rangers and staff of the National Park’s Fabricio Valverde Pathology and Epidemiology Laboratory. They took samples of blood, feces, and DNA, in order to draw conclusions about the current state of health of this species.
The objective was to establish a baseline of diseases and parasites that threaten sea lions, especially infants and juveniles.
The information gathered will reveal the potential threats that sea lion populations could face and to identify mitigation measures to be used in the event of an epidemic. Scientists will also investigate whether changes in climate patterns could impact this species.
Sea lions, considered top-level predators, are an important part of the food chain in the Galapagos archipelago. Their vulnerability could potentially alter the balance of the Galapagos marine ecosystem.
Proceso de Relaciones Públicas – Parque Nacional Galápagos – Ecuador
For more information write to: comunicacion@spng.org.ec, or visit www.galapagospark.org
