Assessing Human–Wildlife Conflicts and Benefits of Galápagos Sea Lions on San Cristobal Island, Galápagos

Abstract

Human–wildlife interactions shape perceptions and the conservation of wildlife populations. San Cristobal Island is the main fisheries port in the Gala ´pagos archipelago and hosts one of the largest sea lion colonies. Local tourism and the population have grown drastically over the past decade and so does human impact on Gala ´pagos sea lions. Here, we analyze human perceptions of the endemic and endangered Gala ´pagos sea lion, using interviews and behavioral observations of sea lions’ responses to humans. There is overall agreement that sea lions should be protected, but some fishers do not share this view nor are compliant with protection efforts. Direct anthropogenic impacts in the form of sea lion entanglements in fishing gear and debris (nylon, plastic), diseases, and fishers’ aggressions toward sea lions have substantially increased in the past 2 years. Sea lions are highly tolerant to human presence, but they flee when approached at distances closer than 4 m. Injuries and death of sea lions caused by humans increased dramatically over the last 5 years. To improve conservation, it is essential to investigate the dynamics and challenges of human–sea lion interactions on San Cristobal. Socioeconomic activities influence these perceptions, and possible reasons explaining the different attitudes toward these animals are shaped not only by economic interests but by the symbolic and political context in which these positions take form.