Terrestrial habitat preferences of seals and sea lions in Mexico

What is it about?

There are four species of seals and sea lions on islands west off the Baja California peninsula, Mexico: the California sea lion, the Guadalupe fur seal, the northern elephant seal and the Pacific harbor seal. We analyzed the terrestrial habitat features they prefer: substrate type (sandy, rocky or cobblesone beaches, rocky platforms, cliffs), tide pools (present of absent), depth of sea bottom in front of colonies, and surf protection.

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Why is it important?

The islands west off the Baja California peninsula have been declared a biosphere reserve recently. To aid in its management program now under construction, information about the fauna that inhabits the islands is important.