Sea Lions
by Krysta CardinaleA sea lion is a mammal that lives in the oceans of the world. Seals and sea lions can be mistaken for each other. There are several different types of sea lions each with defining characteristics. They are typically found in coastal temperate to sub polar waters. They are known for several physical features. They have external ear flaps, long front flippers, and have the ability to walk on their four flippers on land. They are very easy to handle in captivity and are often a popular attraction at aquariums and zoos worldwide. At these attractions sea lions are taught tricks such as clapping their flippers and balancing a ball on their nose.
Sea Lions and Food
The sea lion is carnivorous. The typical diet consists of a variety of seafood including fish, shellfish, and squid. The skull of a sea lion is similar to a bear, and it contains sharp teeth similar to that of a dog or cat. It is possible for most sea lions to descend to depths of 80-100 fathoms in search of food. They can only stay underwater for a period of about five minutes.
Other Facts on Sea Lions
The reproduction cycle of sea lions usually occurs in May. Males form rookeries or breeding grounds on isolated beaches and islands. Large males establish and defend their territory. About a week later females arrive on the beaches. Pregnant females give birth soon after arriving. Copulation occurs only a few weeks after the birth. These newly fertilized eggs do not become implanted into the uterus until the upcoming fall. Facts on sea lion pups reveal that they remain with their mothers for several years. Unlike other types, the Australian sea lion has a different breeding cycle. It is not synchronized between colonies and lasts for about 18 months.
Recent concern has been placed on sea lions. Commercial fishing has become a problem and so has the mammal’s remote habitat. Walruses, Seals, and sea lions have become placed under protection for being a threatened and or endangered species. The depleting population of these species has a lot to do with commercial hunting in the 18th and 19th centuries. The species of sea lions and food competition with commercial fishers does not help.
Types of Sea Lions
• California Sea Lion- The California Sea Lion is found in the northern Pacific Ocean.The males can grow up to 300 kg and 2.4 m in size, and the females 100 kg and 2 m. They are typically sociable and often gather in large numbers. They can be found in coastal waters, marinas, and wharves. The body of a California Sea Lion is very streamline with a layer of fat under the skin to keep it warm and buoyant. They have larger eyes due to the dark waters, and long whiskers for touch. Their large eyes help them adjust to low levels of light in underwater environments, while their whiskers augment their sense of touch. This type of sea lion is usually very intelligent and adaptable, and is the type often found in zoos and aquariums.
• Steller’s Sea Lion- It is the largest of the “eared seals,” growing up to 3.3 meters in length. Males have been recorded as weighting up to 1,100kg and females around 350kg. Steller ’s sea lion is also known as the Northern Sea Lion. They range from pale-yellow to tawny in color and often appear darker in the water. Their pups are born basically black and due not lighten in color for several months. They can be found in the north from the Kuril Islands and the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia, all the way to the Gulf of Alaska. They can be found as far south as the Channel Islands.
• South American Sea Lion- It can be found on the coasts of Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. They have extremely large head, and an upturned snout. The South American Sea Lions are orange in color and have manes. They males mane is usually lighter than then that of the females. The size and weight of this type of sea lion can vary a lot. Males typically have a size of 2.6 m and 300 kg, and the females a size of 2 m and 150 kg.
• Australian Sea Lion- This type of sea lion only breeds on the south coast of Australia. It can be found only in the oceans around Australia, and they only eat at sea. Their front flippers propel them through water quickly; they are much more agile on land using all four flippers. They are considered endangered sea lions.
• New Zealand Sea Lion- Is also known as the Hooker’s Sea Lion. It breeds mainly on the southern coast of New Zealand. It is considered an endangered sea lion and has been a protected species since the 1890’s. Around the mid 1990’s it had a population of about 15,000. In 1998, around 20% of this species females and 50% of its pups died due to an outbreak of disease.
