First record of a Galapagos fur seal ( Arctocephalus galapagoensis ) in Guatemala

摘要

Background Galapagos fur seals, Arctocephalus galapagoensis , inhabit the Galapagos Archipelago. The species is considered to be non-migratory, remaining in the Galapagos year-round. On 9 June 2016, a live fur seal stranded on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Results Morphological characteristics (slightly rounded crown, short pointed muzzle with a lighter colored pelage extending into the face and over the eyes forming a small pale mask, tan ventrum contrasting with grizzled gray-brown fur on the back and sides) were used to identify the pinniped as a Galapagos fur seal, Arctocephalus galapagoensis . Additionally, the fur seal was estimated to be a subadult male based on body size and the presence of testicles. Total body length was estimated to be 140?cm and the weight was estimated to be 90?lb. For comparison, adult males of A. galapagoensis measured to date are slightly larger with an average length and weight equal to 150–160?cm and 132–150?lb., respectively. The species identification and age-class determination were confirmed by pinniped specialists. Conclusion This is the first record of Galapagos fur seal in the Pacific coast of Guatemala and in the Central America region.