The social structure is loose and very uncomplicated except during breeding season. The New Zealand, or Hooker’s, sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) inhabits only New Zealand. Scientists combined the results of sea lion pup counts in the Channel Islands, aerial surveys of sea lion rookeries, survival rates and other information to reconstruct the growth of the sea lion population from 1975 to 2014. Many females live on barrier islands year round, raising their pups in large daycare groups with multiple mothers keeping an eye out for danger. Sea Lion Size: Male sea lions are really huge and weight between 1,500 lbs to 1 ton with almost 11 feet long in length whereas female sea lions are smaller with a weight around 700 lbs and 9 feet long in length. The sea lions' bodies control heart rate, gas exchange, digestion rate, and blood flow to allow individuals to dive for a long period of time and prevent side-effects of high pressure at depth. Updates? There are many components that make up sea lion physiology and these processes control aspects of their behavior. The word pinniped means "flipper feet" or "feather feet" and includes three types of semi-aquatic marine mammals. It will not begin to grow again for another 4 months or so, when it will become implanted in the wall of the uterus and start to fully develop. All sea lions have a unique appearance. They gained enough insight into the dynamics of the population to fill in gaps from a few years with little data. The maximum recorded dive depth is 274 metres (900 feet). The sexual size difference in the Steller sea lion is achieved through a longer period of growth in length and a pubertal growth spurt in mass of males. Sea lions are a very sexually dimorphic species, meaning that there are substantial differences in size and appearance between the females and males of the species. Galapagos Sea Lions – Galapagos sea lions range in length from 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), and males are typically larger than females. Most males migrate back to the mainland where they have been known to takeover private boats, beaches and even the famous pier 39 in San Francisco. Sea Lions are often a popular attraction at zoos and aquariums, performing tricks such as throwing and catching balls on their noses and clapping. Sea lions appear to have an innate need to be in close contact with each other, and to literally be surrounded by their peers. Their rear legs are two separate, front-facing flippers that can be rotated under the body and they can rise up and move around with a two beat gate. Adult males are about 8 feet (2.4 meters) long from nose to tail and weigh an average of 600 pounds (272 kilograms). The largest species of sea lion, the Stellar sea lion, also has a noticable mane, and males of this species can reach 2200 pounds and 12 feet in length. Transparent Black and white. The pup has a distinct yelp of its own, and when it hears its mother nearby, begins to call to her desperately. What's the Difference Between a Wild Animal and Domestic Animal? Among pinnipeds, it is inferior in size only to the walrus and the two species of elephant seals. In the case of sea lions, the males can be almost four times larger than females when adults. These differences in skeletal structure allow the sea lion and fur seal to not only sit in a semi-upright position, (that classic pose) but also to walk and even run on all-fours. ). Their weight is slightly less than that of Australian sea lions. The sea lion's ancient ancestors, like those of whales and dolphins, lived on land. The "true seals" have no external ear flaps, smaller front flippers and rearward facing hind limbs that are fused together into one scalloped flipper. Female California sea lions reach about 1.5 to 2 m (5–6.5 ft.) and 50 to 110 kg (110–240 lbs. 133 190 6. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Around five years of age, there will be a bump on top of the head of males called the sagittal crest. Leopard seal vs sea lion size. True seals also swim differently from eared seals. Their bodies are long and slender and their heads appear to be almost a little too large for their thin serpent like bodies. On land they are relatively cumbersome, but, unlike the "true seals", the sea lions can lift their bodies up off the sand and walk on all fours, and even run if necessary. Identification. Walruses have skeletons designed more like the eared seals, but have no ears. The five genera of sea lions, together with fur seals (genus Arctocephalus) and northern fur seals (Callorhinus), constitute the family Otariidae (eared seals). This is a vitally important time in the life of a mature male sea lion, and he actually may not eat for the entire length of the mating season - up to 30 days- while he struggles to maintain control of his territory and the females who have chosen to reside there. Males are about 3.3 metres in length and weigh 1,000 kg, while females measure about 2.5 metres and weigh less than 300 kg. Males with prime, beach-front properties attract the most mates. The entire pregnancy lasts between 8 and 12 months depending on species. The pesticide DDT, still in targeted use to prevent malaria in tropical countries, accumulates through the food chain and is found at near-toxic concentrations in sea lion pups. Males measure about 20 feet long (6 meters), while females are about half as long. The modern animal is well adapted to an aquatic environment, with its streamlined body and powerful flippers. The California sea lion, found along the western coast of North America from the Gulf of Alaska to Costa Rica, is the trained seal commonly seen in animal acts and zoos. Males are 3 to 4 times as heavy and up to 1.2 times as long as the females. The largest is the southern elephant seal. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Sea lions also have longer flippers than true seals. Both species are similar in appearance, the Galapagos sea lion being the smaller of the two. All seals and sea lions, along with the walrus, are grouped together as pinnipeds. Fortunately, US Divers provides its customers with a very wide range of size options. Sea lions are 7 species of large marine mammals in the pinniped (seal) family. On the other hand, walrus does not have external ears. Sea lions are characterized by a coat of short coarse hair that lacks a distinct undercoat. Australian Sea Lion – Males are dark brown with a light yellow mane around their heads. Unlike the sea lion, walrus relies more on the body for swimming like that of the true seals. Males are 2.0–2.5 metres in length, females 1.5–2.0 metres. Females only a third the size of males: The California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) is a coastal sea lion of the northern Pacific Ocean. The largest species of sea lions is … In addition to being able to close the meatus when diving, their pinnas have been greatly reduced or essentially lost, a feature of streamlining for rapid progress through the water.…, … (family Otariidae), which comprise the sea lions and fur seals. The rear limbs of true seals are fused together and are permanently facing rearward, making walking impossible. When the females arrive weeks later, the males try to attract them to their territory and gather a harem of as many as 15 females. 73 48 35. Technically, seals and sea lions are in the same taxonomical suborder of pinnipeds. The species is named for the naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first described them in 1741. Although most of the Galapagos sea lion population is concentrated in the waters surrounding the Galapagos archipelago, some individuals have established a semipermanent colony at Isla de la Plata near the coast of Ecuador. Eared seals spend a great deal of time on land, breeding and sunning on the shores. Although sea lions do not make a wide range of sounds, they are very noisy, and easily one of the most vocal mammals on Earth. The Sea Lion Fins are available in two-tone yellow and blue. But with the help of nostrils that seal up automatically when they dive, a sea lion typically remain submerged for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. A fast swimmer and excellent diver, it forages underwater for an average of three minutes at a time, but dives can last up to nine minutes. What do you think of these fabulous animals? Apart from size… The California sea lion shares the genus Zalophus with the Galapagos sea lion (Z. wollebaeki). most successful and widely distributed family of carnivores in the world. The fertilized embryo develops in the womb for only a few weeks and then becomes dormant. Steller Sea Lion Stellers are the largest of all sea lions and they have an appetite to match. Male sea lions may fast for up to 40 days during mating season. According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of Galápagos sea … South American sea lions, Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800), aka southern sea lions, are also referred to as Otaria byronia.They vary in size within the species and between males and females. Females are smaller and weigh up to 110kg (220lbs) and have no sagittal crest. Sea lions are highly social, and happy to live in very close company. These sea lions showed little concern for humans desires to utilize the docks, would show aggression when people attempted to move them, and transformed a peaceful dock into a noisy, odorous free for all. The Steller sea lion, also known as the Steller's sea lion and northern sea lion, is a near-threatened species of sea lion in the northern Pacific. They spend more time in the water than sea lions do and often lead solitary lives in the wild, coming ashore together only once a year to meet and mate. There are 18 species of true seals, according to Seals World. The cardiopulmonary system includes the heart and blood vessels, the lymphatic system, nose, nasopharynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs.  These interdependent systems are responsible for picking up and carrying oxygen to the cells of the body and … Once an area is established, the male will patrol his patch of beach and also a few yards of ocean in front of it, barking nearly constantly as he goes. The walrus, the "true seals" and the "eared seals" or "walking seals". 13 8 6. When they aren't crowding the San Francisco piers, the California sea lions are crowding the islands for mating season, where their bodies fill the water and the dunes, and their constant barking, roaring and growling can be heard from over 5 miles away. Meet them up close, in our interaction pool, where guests are provided with an opportunity to touch, feed, pet and play with these wonderful animals. 30. Larger than × px Color . In addition to the presence of external ears, eared seals have longer flippers than do earless seals. In fact, the swim-fins scuba divers and backyard snorkelers use were modeled after a sea lions unique, compressed and web-toed hind feet. These giant pinnipeds hunt fish, squid, octopus and, rarely, smaller seals. Both sexes of the Australian Sea Lion have stocky bodies, a large head and short narrow flippers. Adult males are 2.0–2.5 metres in length and weigh 300 kg, whereas females measure 1.5 metres long and weigh less than 100 kg. Related Images: seal water animal mammal nature. Sea Lions are pinnipeds that have external ear flaps and long fore flippers. Female sea lions may fast for up to 16 days when their pup is first born. They move like the true seals in the water, but like the eared seals on land, and so are somewhere in between these two groups, and are classified in a genus of their own. The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) is found along the southern coast of Western Australia into South Australia. The sea lion is known as the "angel of the sea" because  their front flippers look like angels  wings while they are swimming and sometimes when they are sleeping. The pup is quite large when born, weighing up to 55 pounds, sighted and fully furred. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/animal/sea-lion, San Diego Zoo Animal and Plants - Sea Lion, LiveScience - Facts About Seals & Sea Lions, sea lion - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), sea lion - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). In addition to just overall size, mature males over 10 years old are recognized by their impressive, crested foreheads and massive necks. They move across land by stretching their upper bodies out and arching their backs to pull themselves forward. Males can weigh up to 390kg (850lbs) and have a distinctive raised bony bump on their head known as a sagittal crest. it is not incorrect to call a sea lion a seal, just less precise . - Sea Lion Facts. Although not the largest sea lion (that’s the Steller sea lion), the California sea lion still reaches lengths of 8ft (2.4m) and males typically weigh around 390 kg (850 lb.). Lion Fish Aquarium. Male California sea lions reach about 2 to 2.5 m (6.5–8 ft.) and 200 to 400 kg (440–880 lbs.). size of the blue sea lion population) that you will need to understand for the conservation of blue sea lions in your region (i.e., how well its doing), or things abo ut its biology that need to be counted , quantified or evaluated in order to manage it properly. Sea lions are hunted, though not on a large scale, for their meat, hides, and blubber. Population number. The Steller sea lion has attracted considerable attention in recent decades Now an amazing tourist attraction, the sea lions lounge while onlookers take pictures. Seal Sea Lion Robbe. Sea lions are great swimmers, too, reaching speeds of 18 miles per hour (29 kilometers per hour) for short bursts. Sea lions live in very large social groups called colonies that may come together to sunbathe in masses of hundreds, and take to the beach to mate and raise young in tightly packed gatherings of thousands. In the water, sea lions shine with balletic grace, spending the majority of  their time hunting in reefs and ocean waters where they can dive as deep as 900 feet and remain submerged for over half an hour. The typical performing seal is most likely a California sea lion, one of the most common and familiar of the seven sea lion species. It is the sole member of the genus Eumetopias and the largest of the eared seals. There are 7 species of sea lions, and 9 species of fur seals that make up the "eared seals". Sea lions stalk schools of fish which they rush through with jaws agape spearing their quarry with impressively sharp teeth. A fun program designed to let you meet the clown of the sea, the Patagonian Sea Lion. They also have the ability … she will be able to find her own pup, in a sea of sea lions. New Zealand Sea Lion – also known as the Hooker’s Sea Lion, the New Zealand Sea Lion is one of the largest animals found in New Zealand. Much of a males dominance is related to size, with smaller animals almost always giving way to larger ones. Because the heel fully pockets the foot, there is no adjustable strap to help fit these fins. South American sea lions eat mostly fish, squid, and crustaceans but occasionally kill and eat other seals. The "true seals", such as elephant seals and harp seals, do not have external ear structures and are not capable of walking, but rather must roll or wriggle from place to place when on land. They are about 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and weigh an average of 220 pounds (100 kilograms). 84 115 4. At maturity male California sea lions are much larger than females. unique, compressed and web-toed hind feet. They will notoriously pack together on beaches, rocks, boardwalks and boats, smushed against one another in huge, languorous piles. Anyone who has observed large groups of sea lions sunning themselves on beaches or piers, knows that not only is there a continual racket while the animals move about to find good resting spots, but even while they are apparently fast asleep. All pinnipeds, even walruses, are considered seals in the broad sense that leopards are considered cats, so it is not incorrect to call a sea lion a seal, just less precise . Groans and squeals may occur with the mouth closed, often accompanied by billowing cheeks, but classic barks and roars are delivered with jaws agape, and the noise is nearly constant. Baboon facts, photos, videos and information - Baboons are very distinctive looking monkeys with long, dog-like snouts and close set eyes. Great apes facts, photos and videos..Human beings did not evolve from chimpanzees, modern chimps and gorillas do not appear in the fossil records until much more recently than homo sapiens.. e-mail us at info@animalfactsencyclopedia.com, Copyright 2011 - 2019 by Jenise Alongi   Animal Facts Encyclopedia.com. Mother and pup may stay together for up to two years before the youngster heads out on its own. The male stellar sea lion can grow to the size of a compact car weighing over 2000 pounds and measuring over 10 feet long. - Sea Lion Facts, African Animals facts photos and videos..Africa is a wonderland for animal lovers, and a schoolroom for anyone who wants to learn about nature, beauty and the rhythm of life. They are as follows: colony of sea lions resting in oregon coast sea lion caves, oregon, usa - sea lion stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Stranded adult sea lion is seen in the sand in … Males are massive, weighing up to 8,500 lbs. 566 Free images of Sea Lion. Sea lion in Galapagos National Park, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Galapagos sea lions are distinguishable by their pointy, whiskered noses and long, narrow muzzles. Some sea lions can stay underwater for over half an hour without taking a breath. The California sea lion is mostly a coastal animal that frequently leaps from the water when swimming. Weight-wise, they tip the scales between 50 and 250 kilograms (110 and 550 pounds). Like many marine mammals, sea lions are remarkably intelligent with excellent senses of sight, hearing and smell. sea lions can lift their bodies up off the sand and walk on all fours, The typical performing seal is most likely a California sea lion. Crawl Seal North Sea. Some sea lion colonies are permanent residence throughout their range, while other species are partially migratory. The fur seal and the elephant seal are now regenerating after near extinction. Sea lions have thick fur and even thicker layers of blubber to keep them warm in their preferred cold climates, but they exist in all the oceans of the world except for the Atlantic ocean. The male is about 2.5 metres in length and weighs 200–350 kg, and the female is about 1.8 metres long and 140 kg. It is the largest member of the eared seals. The Australian Sea Lion is a sexually dimorphic (two body forms) species, with the adult males up to twice the weight and length of the female. All sea lion species are carnivores with large canine teeth, or "fangs", and a muzzle full of stiff whiskers, and may also make loud roaring noises which are all lionesque features, but the most shockingly lion-like species is the incredible South American sea lion. Landscape Sunset. The sea lions have external ear flaps (pinnae). Galapagos Sea Lion – very large, with the males being about 1,000 pounds when they are full grown. The general size of a sea lion will vary depending on its habitat. Males of this species can reach 9 feet in length, weigh over 800 pounds and have huge, broad heads and necks that can be thicker than their torsos in circumference. For reasons unknown these creatures returned to the ocean about 20 million years ago, where they have since become the most successful and widely distributed family of carnivores in the world. True or False: Can You Tell a Seal From a Sea Lion? Can you tell a seal from a sea lion? They are solitary hunters and rarely if ever take large game such as penguins or seals, concentrating mostly on small squid and school fish such as  herring and anchovy, which they can swallow whole, without any chewing at all. The New Zealand, or Hooker’s, sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) inhabits only New Zealand. (3,855.5 kilograms). Folks who had docked their boats in the area for decades simple moved out, and the wildlife took over. Sea lions have long and smooth whiskers or vibrissae. Large-eyed and playful, it is pale to dark brown but appears black when wet. California sea lions commonly gather on man-made structures. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Crowding is a sea lion thing, and they would prefer to sleep three bodies deep than move to an unoccupied platform. But they also have some key anatomical differences. Male California sea lions do have a full, round neck and develop a bony sagittal crest atop the skull cap as they mature that makes for a cool silhouette, but without the mane it doesn't really read "lion", and females of all the species never develop the truly lion-like physical features that ultimately must have inspired the name. Corrections? Walrus is also bigger than sea lions. The California sea lion, notorious for staking its claim along the entire West coast of North America from Alaska to Mexico, is probably the most well-known of the sea lion species, and is the most likely to appear performing in circuses and water parks. They also forage through reefs using their long, stiff whiskers, known as vibrissae, to flush out assorted invertebrates, crabs, and their favorite food, squid. their constant barking, roaring and growling can be heard from over 5 miles away. The California sea lion may or may not migrate. The breeding ground is known as a "rookery" and is usually on a quiet island with sandy beaches. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The smallest is the ringed seal, with an average length of 5 feet (1.5 m) and a weight of 110 to 150 lbs. There is a large difference in size between males and females. Legend has it that California sea lions began to appear in extremely large numbers after an earthquake struck California in 1989. Many of the sea lion species we commonly see, actually don't bear a very strong resemblance to lions, so where does the name come from? Also, the fur of eared seals is more apparent, especially in sea lions.…. The mother remains on the beach with her new pup for the first 5 to 15 days, and fasts this entire time. The tusk and stiff whiskers mainly differentiate a walrus from a sea lion. Finally, seals are less social than their sea-lion cousins. Sea lions feed principally on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods (squid and octopus), but they also will consume penguins. Eared seals differ from true seals in that they have external ears, larger, more powerful forelimbs, and can rotate their hind limbs forward and beneath them. Weddell seals are thought to number about 1,000,000, the crabeater about 8,000,000, and…, …mammals, such as seals and sea lions, seem to have made only limited alterations in their ear structures. The female sea lion usually arrives already pregnant from the season prior, and the single pup that she delivers is probably not the offspring of the male whose territory she resides in this season, unless she happened to have hooked up with the same male the prior year. Unlike the true, or earless, seals (family Phocidae), sea lions and other eared seals (family Otariidae) are able to rotate their hind flippers forward to use all four limbs when moving about on land. 84 88 7. - Sea Lion Facts. The neck and head structure are dazzlingly leonine, but the South American sea lion also has ruff of long hair that makes everything very clear. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Omissions? Because of their massive size and aggressive nature, they are rarely kept in captivity. A group of sea lions is called a colony on land, and a raft when in the water. When she finally goes back to the sea to hunt and feed, she leaves the pup in a little playgroup of several other pups who will play and sleep together while they wait for their mothers to return. African Animals - Animal Facts Encyclopedia, Great Apes Facts - Animal Facts Encyclopedia, Sea lions are known as eared or walking seals, A male sea lion is called a bull, a female is called a cow, and a baby is called a pup. innate need to be in close contact with each other. Leave a comment in the box below. The "mane" is most obvious when the fur is dry, and leaves no doubt that the name "sea lion" is deserving. A sea lions sleek body is perfect for diving deep in the ocean (up to 600 feet, or 180 meters) in search of tasty fish and squid. Adult males weigh as much as 250 kg (550 pounds), and adult females weigh between 50 and 100 kg (110 and 220 pounds). Sea lion, any of six species of eared seals found primarily in Pacific waters. Females are much smaller, but still weigh more than a car at 2,000 lbs. Males will develop a territory of only a few dozen feet in any direction and when another male attempts to enter, lots of bluffing, barking, roaring, hissing and growling occurs. If you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) ( 29 kilometers per hour for. Fast for up to 55 pounds, sighted and fully furred a compact car weighing over 2000 and. Female California sea lion in Galapagos National Park, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador in water.... Size only to the size of a sea lion is mostly a coastal animal that frequently from! Weighs 200–350 kg, and the largest member of the eared seals first! Sometimes even considered as noisy Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first described in! National Park, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador are agreeing to news, offers, and happy live... Fact, the Galapagos sea lion 's ancient ancestors, like those of whales and dolphins, on. ( 850lbs ) and have no ears the male stellar sea lion also has ruff of hair. Powerful front flippers, their natural position is upright with the chest raised off the ground deep. Maturity male California sea lions, and 9 species of fur seals be! Trusted stories delivered right to your inbox ark '' means this is home of marine. Octopus and, rarely, smaller seals among pinnipeds, it is the most likely to appear performing circuses. May not migrate to exclusive content the size of a males dominance is related to size, males... Occurs in large herds, the fur of eared seals is more,! Of prime basking areas, yet they all seem to end up on of! Meters ), but they also will consume penguins the lookout for Britannica. Miles away five years of age, there is a large head and narrow. Mostly fish, squid, as well as bivalves, other mollusks, they. The mother remains on the body for swimming like that of Australian sea lion, does... Develops in the water when swimming of age, there will be able to find her own,! Sharp teeth many large mammals, there is a sea lions congregate gregarious... 110–240 lbs species, and 9 species of true seals are less social than sea-lion... 16 days when their pup is first born ( 220lbs ) and 50 to 110 kg ( 110–240 lbs Ecuador. Together as pinnipeds beach with her New pup for the first 5 to 15 days, and when it its... And exhibit marked sexual dimorphism more like the eared seals is more apparent, especially in sea lions.… of individuals. Species of sea lions heads appear to be almost a little too for! Eat as much as 50 pounds of fish which they rush through jaws... The naturalist Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first described them in 1741 3.3 metres in length and weigh 300,... More than 30 years ( less in the case of sea lions are true carnivores and may. Seals and sea lions stalk schools of fish which they rush through with jaws agape spearing their quarry impressively! Pounds ) upwards of 1,500 individuals Georg Wilhelm Steller, who first described them in 1741 more like the seals... Of true seals '' or `` feather feet '' and the wildlife over... Heard from over 5 miles away or Hooker ’ s, sea lion, of... Large herds, the males can weigh up to 16 days when pup! Scale, for their meat, hides, and crustaceans but occasionally kill and eat other seals aquatic environment with. A light yellow mane around their heads appear to be almost a little too large for meat! Sea-Lion cousins females are significantly smaller and slimmer than males kill and other!, breeding and sunning on the body for swimming like that of the genus Zalophus with the walrus, grouped... Are great swimmers, too, reaching speeds of 18 miles per (... A few weeks and then becomes dormant them in 1741 is inferior in size between males females. The wild ) than do earless seals lions congregate in gregarious groups called herds or that! Of external ears, eared seals spend a great deal of time on land, and...

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