California Sea Lion Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology The name of the California Sea Lion remains somewhat deceptive, as its native range extends well beyond the shores of California, in the United States. Behavior. California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are a species of "coastal eared seals". Sea lions have streamlined bodies that enable them to swim at speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour. Are you wild about whales? During the mating season California sea lions congregate on remote sandy or rocky shores. Come with us on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes during a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Camp. Our overarching zoological mission is to foster conservation awareness and to impart action on our park guests to preserve wild animals and wild places. They also breed on the coast and islands of the Gulf of California, and the Mexican Pacific coast as far south as Isla Tres Marias. California sea lion males will bark, sounding like dogs, in order to communicate with other males and females. The Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), also known as the Steller's sea lion and northern sea lion, is a near-threatened species of sea lion in the northern Pacific. Find quick information and fun facts with these 1-page easy resources about animals from A to Z. Its natural habitat ranges from southeast Alaska to central Mexico, including the Gulf of California. Please see Federal Register Vol. © 2021 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved. description. In actuality, that range extends along the entire west coast of North America. California Sea Lion – one most familiar sea lions. On average, California sea lions are 5-7 feet long. SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Most of the time they are found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Come face-to-face with the wonders of wildlife through species-focused episodes and related classroom activities. Diversity. Natural Habitat. Z.c. Your email address will not be published. This video gives you some fun facts about California Sea Lions. A 3-4 week clerkship for veterinary students wanting to augment their knowledge and experience in non-domestic animal medicine. Surprisingly, the remarkable California Sea Lion remains one of only six known surviving types of sea lion. These principally include. Sea lions inhabit temperate or subtropical waters. Biotic Factors: Prey: fish, squid, octopus, etc. California sea lions are eared seals native to the West Coast of North America. They may frequent sandbars; sheltered coves; tide pools; and structures such as piers, jetties, and buoys. Quite sadly, one other species, the Japanese Sea Lion, became extinct in the 1950’s. Taken with tigers? The California Sea Lions are of course found there, all along the coast. The species will also forage for food in deeper waters over the continental shelf (the relatively shallow waters surrounding a land mass). The Z.c. The earliest fossil pinnipeds were in the genus Enaliarctos, “bears of the sea.”These fossils, found in California, dated back 22.5 million years ago and are recognized as the origin for the recognized Otariidae family, or eared seals. California sea lions inhabit British Columbia in Canada and south to Baja, Mexico, including in the Gulf of California. California sea lion breeding group at San Miguel Island, California. Browse our extensive collection of zoological career infobooks including animal training, animal rescue and rehabilitation and zoo careers. What’s the difference between a seal and a sea lion? California sea lions are highly intelligent and social pinnipeds. California sea lions are not endangered or threatened. California sea lions are not typically found more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Pacific coastline. Learn more about the Seasonal Camp Counselor program at SeaWorld. You’ll find California sea lions in coastal and continental shelf waters, bays, harbors and river mouths. The main population of California sea lions is found along the west coast in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from Baja, California, south to Mexico and north into British Columbia, Canada. Adult males are defending territory, females are tending to their pups, and pups are playing amongst themselves. They can become a very noisy group with such large numbers of them hanging out in one location. Some researchers believe that there are individuals of this subspecies on Takeshima Islands (now claimed by South Korea). It is the sole member of the genus Eumetopias and the largest of the eared seals (Otariidae). At SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, we extend our commitment to the environment beyond our company by supporting a variety of conservation groups and programs. These Sea lions are found from the Pacific Coast of Vancouver all the way to Baja which is where California meets Mexico. This species of sea lion is often seen in large groups along the coasts of the eastern Pacific from Prince William Sound, Alaska to the southern tip of Mexico. The California sea lion is native to the western part of North America. They mainly haul-out on sandy or rocky beaches, but they also frequent manmade environments such as marinas They will rest on jetties, piers, buoys and oil platforms where available. They breed mainly on offshore islands, ranging from southern California's Channel Islands south to Mexico, although a few pups have been born on Año Nuevo and the Farallon Islands in central California. There is a distinct population of California sea lions at the Galapagos Islands. Eastern north Pacific from Vancouver Island, British Columbia south to Baja California, Mexico including the Gulf of California. Z.c. Steller Sea Lion – the largest of the species in the world. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, wherein adult males usually have body sizes that are 1.2 times longer, and weights that are 3-4 times higher, than those of the females.They have an average size ranging between 5.5 and 7.25 feet (1.7 and 2.2 meters) … They prefer the warmer waters off the coast of California and Mexico for breeding. They eat over fifty species of fish such as anchovies, mackerel, and rockfish, as well as squid, octopus and mollusks. The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is a coastal eared seal native to western North America. This wonder of Nature also represents the species with the largest current population. These sea lions are an intelligent and social species. Sandy beaches and rocky areas are the most common homes of California sea lions. From fun and affordable field trips for students to amazing summer adventures, our camps combine education and entertainment in a way that connects people to the sea and sea life like nowhere else. The Mexico population has remained stable. warmer temperature (especially when breeding), areas like California, the Virgin Islands, etc. Find a variety of free classroom activities that will keep your students engaged and excited to learn about animals. Most researchers believe this subspecies is extinct. California sea lions feed mainly in upwelling areas on a variety of prey, including mainly fish. California Sea Lions are found from the tip of Baja to the Alaskan Gulf, primarily along coastlines with sandy or rocky beaches. In 1990 the Channel Island population was estimated to be about 89,000 animals, based on a pup count of 25,000. They may frequent sandbars; sheltered coves; tide pools; and structures such as piers, jetties, and buoys. rookery in California and Oregon as well as extending 3,000 feet above the rookery. Habitat. The California sea lion is found in bays, harbors and river mouths along the coastline. Only the South American Sea Lion approaches it in numbers. socialize with each other- often travel in groups called "rafts"- however, the only sustained relationship appears to be between mother and pup Its natural habitat ranges from southeast Alaska to central Mexico, including the Gulf of California. Sea lions are nested within the clade Pinnipedia.This carnivorous clade houses all seals, sea lions, and walruses. Since Steller Sea Lions prefer the colder weather they reside mainly in the sub Arctic part of the Pacific Ocean towards the North. Some are occasionally spotted off the coasts of Ecuador and Columbia. They are friendly animals often seen doing a variety of tricks in various locations while in captivity. California sea lions are playful, intelligent, and very vocal (sounding like barking dogs). They are easily trained and intelligent and are commonly seen in zoos and aquariums. Go behind-the-scenes to see how our trainers care for and interact with these amazing animals, and get up close with some finned, flippered, or feathered friends. They live in coastal waters and on beaches, docks, buoys, and jetties. Studies have suggested that the California sea lion population in the United States has possibly increased at an average annual rate of 10.2% since 1983. 165, 45269 for designation description (including Alaska locations) Steller Sea Lion Critical Habitat California and Oregon ¯ 0 Miles 25 ¯ 0 Miles 50 0 Miles 10 ¯ 0 Miles 10 ¯ Crazy about roller coasters? Our Breathing Planet · Privacy and Cookies · Legal Notice · Sitemap, Show your support for the amazing places and species we raise awareness of by, We try to make caring for our planet a viral cause. In fact, estimates place its total numbers at around 350,000 individuals. Galápagos sea lion: A bit smaller than their closest relative, the California sea lion, these sea lions live in the Galápagos Islands, with some closer to the coast of Ecuador. It runs from Alaska to Central Mexico. wollebaeki is found mainly on the Galápagos Islands. habitat. California sea lions are sexually dimorphic; males are larger than females, and have a thicker neck, and protruding sagittal crest. californianus population is estimated at about 237,000 to 244,000. California sea lions live in the Pacific Ocean and its rocky beaches. It’s often found sitting on top of rocks, floating docks and beams under fishing piers — even balancing on floating buoys. You can easily see a sea lion’s ears—just look for the little flaps of skin on the sides of the head. californianus is found along the coast of the eastern North Pacific, from southern British Columbia to western Mexico including Baja California. California sea lions are found from Vancouver Island, British Columbia to the southern tip of Baja California in Mexico. California sea lions tend to feed alone or in small groups unless there is an large quantity of food. Their range is huge as it goes from southeastern Alaska to central Mexico. Males can grow to weigh over 800 pounds (390 kg). They are found in large groups in coastal waters and on rocks, beaches, piers and docks on North America’s West Coast from Canada to Costa Rica. The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is a coastal eared seal native to western North America. They predominantly forage the Continental Shelf. They even extend into the Western portion of Mexico. California sea lions inhabit rocky and sandy beaches of coastal islands and mainland shorelines. All species of Sea Lions are very social, but the California Sea Lions seem to be even more so. California sea lions breed on islands off the coasts of California and Baja California, including the Channel Islands, Guadalupe, San Benitos, and Cedros. Male California sea lions have been known to assemble at the mouths of fresh water rivers where there is a steady supply of fish. They haul out on quiet sandy beaches, offshore rocks, and on man-made structures such as piers, boats, breakwaters, and buoys. They travel in groups of 12 or more, and hang out on man-made structures such as piers and … Follow, If you are a nature enthusiast, if you care about our amazing planet and want to be part of our cause. The people of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment are truly and deeply driven to inspire on behalf of, to celebrate and connect with, and to care for the natural world we all share. Among pinnipeds, it is inferior in size only to the walrus and the two species of elephant seals. California sea lions inhabit rocky and sandy beaches of coastal islands and mainland shorelines. In the meantime, three others now rank as Endangered. Physical Description. The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). California sea lions also eat crabs, squid, and octopus. Market hunting, bounties, pollutants such as DDT and other forces depressed sea lion numbers in the middle of the last century. Until the 1950’s there were also California Sea Lions along the coast of Japan called Japanese Sea Lion, subspecies of California sea lion. So are we! Many have habituated to human presence and haul out on manmade structures, such as piers and buoys. It is one of six species of sea lion. It is one of six species of sea lion. 58, No. 5. japonicus was once found on a select few Japanese islands. Increasingly they are making their way into freshwater rivers. One of the largest breeding rookeries is found on the Channel Islands. They have also been found living in the Southern region of Isla Tres Marias. This pinniped is adept at leaping out of the water. They like to hang out and breed on sandy and rocky beaches, but they can also sometimes be found on manmade structures such as marinas, piers or wharves. California sea lions are social animals that communicate with various barks, growls, honks and clicks. The males can be as long as 11 feet and weigh 2,500 pounds. Hear animal sounds for animals like anteaters, dolphins, frogs and more. A third population in the Sea of Japan became extinct, probably during Worl… When submerged for long periods (5-10 minutes), a sea lion will decrease its heart beat to reduce the amount of oxygen needed. California sea lion facts! water. Their habitat is ocean waters, and sandy or rocky coastlines. Under conditions of increased food supply, Z. californianus hunt in larger groups. They usually congregate on islands and remote shorelines when not in the ocean. Physical Description. Take a closer look at these encyclopedia books including information about animal habitats, behavior, and scientific classification. The California sea lion is a member of the “eared seal” family. Download free teacher guides to keep students learning in a hands-on way: includes vocabulary, classroom activities, goals and objectives. Breeding mainly on offshore islands that run from the Channel Islands in southern California to Mexico, these sea lions typically live along coastlines but also occur in rivers along the coast of the northern Pacific. Most females either stay within their breeding grounds or move south during nonbreeding months. Quick facts about these social pinnipeds! BEHAVIOR. Due to its current population size, along with other factors, the, Like many related species, however, it still faces dangers from various threats. Z.c. 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