A recent study conducted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) on endangered Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) has revealed that the animals are more susceptible to starvation as a result of their exposure to humans. Over a span of more than 18 months, conservationists tagged and monitored the behavior and physiology of two groups of 60 Galapagos sea lions, one in San Cristobal, which is inhabited by humans, and one in Santa Fe, where there are no humans, dogs, cats, mice, or rats.

 

The study has shown that exposure to human influences such as pets and pollution can impair the animal's level of immunity, making them less able to hunt and more likely to go hungry when food is scarce.

 

People continue to import pets regularly to the Galapagos in spite of laws put in place to protect the unique wildlife of the islands. These imported pets bring with them an increase in risk of new diseases transferring to the local species. While the pets themselves may appear healthy, they can carry and spread diseases that have no effect on them, but can be completely devastating to other animals.

 

Another issue associated with the sea lions' overactive immune systems is the dumping of sewage into the bay on San Cristobal. This is potentially increasing the exposure of these animals to human related germs and bacteria.