CALIFORNIA SEA LION Zalophus californianus MAMMAL Order Pinnipedia Description Fur color generally dark, chestnut brown, females often lighter. Spindle-shaped body, small head, small external ear flaps. Males reach over 7 ft and 600 lbs; females reach about 6 ft and 200 lbs. Well-developed flippers front and back. Range west coast of North America from British Columbia southward to the tip of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. Status California sea lions are not listed as endangered at this time, but they are protected under the regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Photo © James P. Rowan Photography

Ecology Habitat coastal areas, offshore rocks and islands. Niche opportunistic carnivore: consumes any fish or shellfish that are available. Predators include killer whales, sharks and people. Active both day and night, feeding in the water. Males are territorial both on land and in the water, each dominating a harem of 5-20 females. Life History Mating occurs May-Aug. in California. Pups born May-June after 12 mo gestation that includes 2.5-3.5 mo. delayed implantation. Single young cannot swim at birth, nurse 5-12 me. Life span to 25 yrs. Special Adaptations Limbs modified into flippers for increased speed and maneuverability in water environment. Well-developed front flippers act in power swimming stroke, while rear flippers can rotate forward to improve mobility on land. Streamlined body and small external ears decrease water resistance. Blubber beneath the skin provides warmth, buoyancy and food supply during periods of fasting. Nostrils can be closed when animal is submerged. Large eyes are adapted for low-light conditions and are specially designed for clear viewing under water. Long whiskers improve sensory ability in murky water; they are possibly used to detect vibrations produced by swimming fish.