Top 20 especies endémicas de Galápagos # 2

6. Galapagos Fur Seal

The Galapagos Fur Seal may be called a seal but it is actually a sea lion. With its small ears, the species is easily recognizable as a distinctly different breed. Its tendency to stay on land about 70 percent of the time is another unique trait, which perhaps is encouraged by the lack of predators on the islands.

7. Galapagos Sea Lion

Smaller than its better-known California cousin, the Galapagos Sea Lion behaves much like its kin. A strong swimmer, it spends much of its time in the water. Playful, they have been observed playing with each other, with penguins and with crabs. Males, which have a distinctive bump on their foreheads, are darker brown than the tan females.

8. Flightless Cormorant

This cormorant is rare among its species. The only one that cannot fly, it has grown larger than other cormorants. Flightless, it is particularly vulnerable to the island’s population of wild cats and dogs.

9. Finches

Some 13 distinct species of finches can be found on the islands. These are recognizable by their beaks which are different in both size and shape. Among the many species, one finds the warbler finch, the woodpecker finch, the large cactus finch, and the mangrove finch.

10. Penguins

The only penguin on the islands is a native. The Galapagos penguin is, in fact, the only penguin to live north of the Equator. It is one of the world’s smallest penguin species. Like others in its breed, it mates for life. In looks, it most closely resembles the Magellan penguin.