Mammals
South American Sea Lion
Otaria flavescens · also called South American sea lions, southern sea lion
Bellowing from a rocky South American shoreline, a mature male sea lion displays the thick, mane-like fur around its neck that gave the species its name, defending a stretch of breeding colony against rival males along one of the longest sea lion coastlines in the world.
Overview
The South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens, is a large, powerfully built pinniped native to coastal and nearshore ocean waters across a broad range spanning the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines of South America. Its distinctive mane-like neck fur, considerable size, and surprisingly varied diet that can include penguins make it one of the more physically imposing and behaviourally opportunistic sea lion species found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
A mane built for competition
The thick, lion-like mane that gives this species its name serves a very practical purpose, helping mature males appear larger and more formidable during the fierce territorial competitions that define the breeding season on crowded colony beaches.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and stable across suitable coastal habitat throughout much of South America.
South American Sea Lion: common questions
Why is the South American sea lion called a sea lion?
A male of this species develops thick, mane-like fur around the neck and shoulders as it matures, a feature reminiscent of a lion's mane that gives the species its common name and becomes especially prominent during the breeding season when males compete for territory.
Does the South American sea lion eat penguins?
Yes, this species has been documented preying on penguins and other seabirds in addition to its usual diet of fish, squid, and octopus, a more varied and opportunistic feeding strategy than some other sea lion species show.
How large is the South American sea lion's range?
This species occupies an extensive range along much of the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines of South America, from Peru and Brazil south to Tierra del Fuego, making it one of the more widely distributed sea lion species on the continent.
How big can a South American sea lion get?
This species is large and powerfully built, with males considerably outweighing females, a size difference typical of many eared seal species that becomes especially pronounced during the breeding season when males must compete physically for territory and mates.