Common Name: Southern Sealion Scientific Name: Otaria byronia
LOWER RISK Southern Sealion Distribution: Coastal South America
Habitat: Marine Height: Approx. 2m - 3m Weight: 150kg - 200kg Diet: Carnivorous
The male and female Southern sealions look dramatically different. The male of the species is considerably larger than the female, measuring on average 2.6 m in length and weighing 300 kg, compared to the female at 2 m in length and weighing 150 kg. Both sexes have large canine teeth for catching and killing their food. However, that male has larger teeth and a large neck which are needed for defending a territory. The sealion has four limbs, the front two of which are used for moving on land. The sealions have small ears which seal species do not. The male sealion has a mane which is not present in the female. The Patagonian sea lion is found on the coasts of south America on both the Pacific and Atlantic shores. They come ashore onto pebbly beaches to breed. The Patagonian sea lion is non-migratory and can be found in the same area throughout the year. Sea lions feed on fish like anchovies and herring as well as crustaceans, squid and on occasion, penguins. Sea lions spend most of their life at sea. They come ashore to give birth, mate and rear their pups before returning to the sea again. Males establish territories on the beach and maintain a harem of females. The large size of the males ensures the largest males win the females. The pups leave the beaches after a period of 1 – 2 months. Females are mature at 4 years of age and males at 5 – 6 years. Once mated, the female has a gestation period of around 1 year. The female will suckle her pup for 6 months to a year.