California sea lion

The most intelligent of all sea lion species; trained for use by the United States Navy


California sea lion

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The most intelligent of all sea lion species; trained for use by the United States Navy

Population <400,000
75% decrease over 36 years

Renowned for their intelligence, agility, and spirited demeanor, California sea lions have become iconic symbols of coastal ecosystems, often delighting audiences with their acrobatic displays in zoos and aquariums.

Distinguished by their sleek, streamlined bodies and distinctive coloration, California sea lions exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males sporting a rich chocolate brown coat and a prominent sagittal crest atop their heads, while females showcase a softer golden-brown hue. Notably, both sexes possess external ears, a distinguishing feature among pinnipeds, along with long, narrow forelimb flippers perfectly adapted for propelling themselves through the water with remarkable efficiency.

In addition to their captivating appearance, California sea lions are revered for their exceptional diving abilities, enabling them to easily navigate the depths of the ocean. While submerged, these marine mammals can remain underwater for extended periods, typically staying submerged for around 2 minutes per dive. However, they can sustain dives for up to 10 minutes, allowing them to explore the depths of their aquatic habitat in search of prey and navigate their underwater environment with precision and skill.

Venturing into the ocean depths, California sea lions exhibit remarkable diving prowess, descending to depths of up to 200 meters (656 feet) in search of food and other resources. Although their dives can reach impressive depths, the average depths typically range between 26 meters (85 feet) to 98 meters (320 feet), reflecting their versatile foraging strategies and adaptability to varying underwater conditions.

Beyond their remarkable diving abilities, California sea lions are celebrated for their social nature and vocal prowess, often communicating with one another through a series of distinctive barks and vocalizations. These vocalizations are crucial in social interactions, mating rituals, and territorial displays, allowing California sea lions to maintain intricate social structures within their colonies and convey essential information to their peers.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Pacific ocean
238,000–241,000
Official estimate
LC
2014
Pacific Temperate stock
Pacific ocean
75,000–85,000
Official estimate
LC
2014
Western Baja California
Gulf of California
32,037
Official estimate
LC
2014
20% decline by 2008
Canada
2014
Non-Breeding
Costa Rica
2014
Non-Breeding
El Salvador
2014
Non-Breeding
Guatemala
2014
Non-Breeding
Honduras
2014
Non-Breeding
Mexico
2014
United States
2014

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No