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. The California sea lion may or may not migrate. 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. 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? Their bodies are long and slender and their heads appear to be almost a little too large for their thin serpent like bodies. Among pinnipeds, it is inferior in size only to the walrus and the two species of elephant seals. Folks who had docked their boats in the area for decades simple moved out, and the wildlife took over. Grunts, groans and snores abound in a colony of sea lions. Large-eyed and playful, it is pale to dark brown but appears black when wet. Crowding is a sea lion thing, and they would prefer to sleep three bodies deep than move to an unoccupied platform. Sea lions congregate in gregarious groups called herds or rafts that can reach upwards of 1,500 individuals. The New Zealand, or Hooker’s, sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) inhabits only New Zealand. Male California sea lions reach about 2 to 2.5 m (6.5–8 ft.) and 200 to 400 kg (440–880 lbs.). 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. 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. 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. This ability finds sea lions and fur seals commonly referred to as the "walking seals", while their external ears are why they are also referred to as the "eared seals.". Also, the fur of eared seals is more apparent, especially in sea lions.…. In preparation for the breeding season, their weight often increases up to 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms). 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. In fact, the swim-fins scuba divers and backyard snorkelers use were modeled after a sea lions unique, compressed and web-toed hind feet. According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of Galápagos sea … Sea lions are 7 species of large marine mammals in the pinniped (seal) family. Leopard seal vs sea lion size. she will be able to find her own pup, in a sea of sea lions. Their weight is slightly less than that of Australian sea lions. A bony ridge down the centerline of the skull known as a sagittal crest begins to develop at about 9 years of age and, over time, gives the males head a distinct, and impressive look. Related Images: seal water animal mammal nature. innate need to be in close contact with each other. Technically, seals and sea lions are in the same taxonomical suborder of pinnipeds. Australian Sea Lion – Males are dark brown with a light yellow mane around their heads. Steller Sea Lion Stellers are the largest of all sea lions and they have an appetite to match. Many females live on barrier islands year round, raising their pups in large daycare groups with multiple mothers keeping an eye out for danger. Physiology dictates thermoregulation, osmoregulation, reproduction, metabolic rate, and many other aspects on sea lion ecology including but not limited to their ability to dive to great depths. Females are much smaller, but still weigh more than a car at 2,000 lbs. All sea lions have a unique appearance. Both sexes of the Australian Sea Lion have stocky bodies, a large head and short narrow flippers. Sea lions appear to have an innate need to be in close contact with each other, and to literally be surrounded by their peers. 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. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. 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. 73 48 35. 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. The typical performing seal is most likely a California sea lion, one of the most common and familiar of the seven sea lion species. 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 … Sea lions display extreme sexual dimorphism, (marked differences in appearance or size between males and females of the same species), with adult males being at least two times, and as much as four times larger than adult females. Males can weigh up to 390kg (850lbs) and have a distinctive raised bony bump on their head known as a sagittal crest. The New Zealand, or Hooker’s, sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) inhabits only New Zealand. Omissions? 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