GUADALUPE FUR SEAL Arctocephalus philippi townsendi (Merriam) 



Order: PINNIPEDIA Family; OTARIIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small eared seal similar to the northern fur seal, but 

 snout long and pointed, described as "collie-like," and adult bulls much smaller. 

 Color — blackish- gray . 



Present distribution: Guadalupe Island, Mexico, with occasional records from other 

 islands (one on San Nicolas Island, 1949; three at Cedros Island, 1965). 



Former distribution : Islands off northern Baja California south to Cedros Island, the 

 Channel Islands of southern California, and perhaps on the Farallon Islands off 

 San Francisco . 



Status : Occurs in small numbers; slowly increasing population in recent years. 



Estimated numbers : About 1,000 individuals, January 1970; up from 600 in 1965. 



Breeding rate in the wild : One pup per female per year . 



Reasons for decline : No recent decline . 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by the Mexican Government, although 

 permission to capture for zoos occasionally granted. Protected in general, like sea 

 lions, along California coast. Classed as rare and protected under California Fish and 

 Game Code . 



Measures proposed : Acquisition and careful patrol by the Federal Government of islands 

 or parts of islands containing sea caves along the California coast . 



Number in captivity : Three in San Diego Zoo and two in Mexico City Zoo during past 

 three years (1966) . 



Breeding potential in captivity : None . 



Remarks: This species was probably one of the least common mammals in North America. 

 For some years it was believed to be extinct. Sealing in the 1800's brought about its 

 great reduction in numbers . 



References : 



Bartholomew, G. A. , Jr. 1950. A male Guadalupe fur seal on San Nicolas Island, 

 California. Jour.Mamm., 31:175-180. 



. 1952. Winter population of Pinnipedia about Guadalupe, 

 San Benito, and Cedros Islands, Baja California. Jour. Mamm . , 33:160-171. 

 Hubbs, C. L. 1956. The Guadalupe fur seal still lives. Zoonooz, 29, No. 12:6-9. 

 . 1956. Back from oblivion . Pacific Discovery , 9(6): 14-21. 



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