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Characteristics Of California Sea Lion

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California sea lion
California sea lion (Zalophus Californianus) - Key characteristics – interactions with humans – communications – Feeding habits – reproduction – threats - conservation
Introduction:
California Sea Lion, Zalophus Californians belongs to the family “Otariidae”. The animal is found along the coast of the eastern North Pacific.
The breeding of California sea lions takes place on islands off the coasts of California and Baja California.
They inhabit rocky and sandy beaches of coastal islands and mainland shorelines. They may frequent inhabit sandbars; sheltered coves; tide pools; and structures such as piers, jetties, and buoys. California sea lions live for an average of 15 to 25 years. However, they can live 30 or more years.

Characteristics: Male California sea lions reach about 2 to 2.5 m and 200 to 400 kg while female reaches about 1.5 to 2 m and 50 to 110 kg. Their bodies are tapered at both ends giving them a sleek, fusiform shape.
Generally, adult males have chocolate brown coat while the coat color of females and young males is tan; pups are darker in color compared to adults. As animals age, the hair around their heads lightens changing into light tan.
The foreflippers of California sea lions are large and wing-like which are modified and used in an up-and-down, wing-like motion to propel themselves through the water. The hind flippers are smaller than foreflippers and when rotated underneath they body, they support the sea lion weight and enable

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