On Galápagos beaches, human presence conclusively affects sea lions Penn researchers, in conjunction with Galapagueño high school students, found that on more crowded beaches, the endangered animals are less aggressive to people. Twice a week between June and December of 2017 and 2018, local Galapagueño students observed sea lion behavior at four local beaches. The community scientists assessed how frequently the animals growled, barked, and moved toward the observer, as well as conducted an overall census of the animals. (Pre-pandemic image: Courtesy Michael Weisberg)
On beaches across the Galápagos, sea lions share space with people. But until recently, it wasn’t clear how that cohabitation influenced the endangered animals.