Reproduction
The Steller Sea Lions spends more time in the water than other species. It is believed their larger size makes it harder for them to get around on the land. They do spend time on land though during the reproduction process and to give birth to their pups. The males will stake their territory a few months before the females arrive. They don’t leave to eat during this period of time or while they are mating. A male can loose several hundred pounds during this span of time.
The pups are born from May through July and often weigh as much as 50 pounds. They can nurse for a period of one to three years. It really depends on if their mother has a new pup the next year. The females are pregnant when they enter a harem so they will give birth there. Then they will mate about 14 days later.
Conservation
It is estimated there are less than 100,000 Steller Sea Lions remain today. In the past 30 years they have lost a large percentage of their population. Efforts are in place to protect them from hunters and from accidents in a hope that they will be able to survive.
Careful research also shows that a lack of food in many of their locations though has led to them dying as well. When they don’t get enough to eat they will have less blubber stored to keep them warm. Females are less likely to mate when they are stressed and not getting enough food. Many of the young can be born sick due to poor nutrition and their mother’s may not be able to produce enough milk for them to survive.
(source:google/http://www.sealion-world.com/)
No comments:
Post a Comment