Stellar Sea Lions

Stellar Sea LionsBy: Natalie Lakey

Description of Stellar Sea Lions

A comparison of a baby Steller Sea Lion to an adult Steller Sea Lion.

A Steller Sea Lions face up close.

Photos from: http://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery.htm?id=C4D356E0-1DD8-B71C-07E1BF134B006196

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Where can I find a Steller Sea Lion?

Here we have a haulouts or rookery with Steller Sea Lions on it.

This is a map showing red dots for the populations of Steller Sea Lions being known to live.

http://www.marinemammal.org//wp-content/uploads/2012/10/haulout.jpgMap is found at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/research/programs/marinemammals/images/steller_haulouts_rangemap.jpg

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Communicationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n8nQqaHsNo

In the beginning of this video, we see and hear the grunting of Steller Sea Lions and the bobbing of their heads while they are communicating with one another.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Cod

Squid

Atka Mackerel

Capelin

Rockfishes

Shrimp

Herring

Salmon

Pollock

Movement & Migration

From this map, we can see the migration patterns of Steller Sea Lions in different seasons. The summer is typically when mating occurs so they are found bundled up by each other in few areas. Then we winter comes around they all usually disperse to find better foraging sites; males will go farther than females.

http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/6F4F012C-8D22-46C0-A95F-AA05524EF18B/fig04_eng.jpg

http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/6F4F012C-8D22-46C0-A95F-AA05524EF18B/fig04_eng.jpg6

Natural Enemies & Defensive BehaviorMany factors that influence Steller Sea Lions threats are that of:environmental changes (warming of Pacific Ocean)Diseases (pneumonia, a bacterial infection called Leptospirosis, which affects their kidneys and livers, and San Miguel sea lion virus)Predation (killer whales and sharks)acoustic disturbances (noise chips, aircraft, research boats, or military activities can affect vibrations in the water)intentional take (fishermen shooting or capturing Sea Lions)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s56PEYP0D1E

In this video we see a shark attacking a Steller Sea Lion. We can see that a Sea Lions only real defense mechanism is to swim away. They do not have any special piece on their body that helps them fight away predators.

Social And Solitary Behavior

Here is a picture of Steller Sea Lions on a refugee. On a refugee it is common that you will find more females than males, due to the fact that males are out traveling and running into other animals where they have to communicate with one another to stay safe.

Reproductive Behavior/Life CycleA Steller Sea Lions life span is about 30 years for females and 20 years for males.

Conservation Status1990- Steller Sea Lions were put on the Endangered Species List 1997- It was later recognized that there were 2 other populations of Steller Sea Lions taking them off of the Depleted list and uplifted to the Endangered Status under the ESA2012- Eastern population was delisted by designing a Steller Sea Lion Recover Plan2013- Eastern population was removed from the ESA, but still holds its depleted status under MMPA

As far as the Western population of Steller Sea Lions goes the Alaska Sea Otter and Steller Sea Lion Commission will continue to keep a close eye on Steller Sea Lions over the next few years to make sure that there is only a positive change in the condition so that the population does not become more endangered.

Current Research

We, the people, must keep our eye out for any suspicious behavior that may be harming Steller Sea Lions to help keep their population growing! Theyre growling for your help.