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South American sea lions are widely distributed along the coast and offshore islands of South America. Their continuous range typically extends from northern Peru on the Pacific coast, south to Cape Horn, and then north up the Atlantic Coast to Brazil. They also occur in the Falkland Islands. These sea lions are some of the largest and most sexually dimorphic of all the sea lion species. Males are significantly larger than females. The massive adult males can reach up to 8.5 ft (2.6 m) in length and weigh 770 lbs (350 kg). Males are easily identified by their thick, coarse
mane that extends from the forehead and chin down to the shoulders and mid-chest, making their head, jaws, and neck look disproportionately large and wide. The much smaller females are typically 5 to 6.5 ft (1.5 to 2m) in length and weigh up to 375 lbs (170 kg). They do not have a mane like males. Females and sub-adults are predominantly yellowish-gold to tan in color. Most males darken with age to a dark brown, though their mane often remains lighter. Pups are born black and molt to a dark brown after a month or two. Their coat lightens by the end of the year.
Males are highly mobile and will travel far offshore, sometimes following fishing vessels, while females are generally coastal and will adhere to their natal colonies. At sea, South American sea lions frequently float at the surface alone or in small to large groups. They primarily forage over the continental shelf and slope. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of prey, such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. Adult males may even prey on young South American fur seals and southern elephant seas. South American sea lions are preyed on by
animals like killer whales and sharks. Killer whales sometimes partially beach themselves to grab young sea lions off the shoreline. South American sea lions like to haul out on sandy, gravel, rocky, or pebble beaches. Pups are born from mid-December to early February after a yearlong gestation period. Females give birth just 2-3 days after arriving at their pupping location and become receptive to mating about six days later. They immediately resume foraging, cycling between 1-4 day foraging trips and 2-day stays ashore to nurse. Pups are typically weaned
at 8-10 months, although prolonged lactation can sometimes last up to three years. Dominant males establish territories and attempt to mate with as many females as possible. Social groups are typically composed of a dominant male and 4-10 adult females, although some solitary couples are found. These sea lions can live around 20 years. South American sea lions were hunted by native people for thousands of years and later by Europeans for food, oil, and hides, which severely reduced their numbers. Most populations are currently recovering from past harvests. Strong
El Niño events can cause dramatic population declines due to food scarcity. Since opportunistic sea lions frequently follow fishing vessels, raiding nets and consuming hooked fish, they are often killed illegally by fishermen. Incidental catch in fishing gear is also responsible for a number of sea lion deaths each year. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!
