Status: Endangered
Scientific Name: Zalophus wollebaeki
Size: Males are significantly larger than females.
Often confused with California Sea Lions, Stellar Sea Lions are much larger in lighter in color. In order to properly track populations, Stellar Sea Lions are broken up into two groups: The Western U.S. and the Eastern U.S. Currently, it appears that the Eastern population has been growing steadily over the last few years, but the Western population has been decreasing at about a 5 percent rate. The largest threats to these animals are: boat/ship strikes, pollutants, habitat degradation, and illegal hunting/shooting.
In an effort to conserve the species, critical habitats have been designated as well as protective zones.
General
Sea Lions
posted: 12/01/15
Franco Banfi/Getty Images
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Diving with Sea Lions
In this clip from "Planet's Best North American Wildlife Encounters" on Animal Planet, we visit the Sea of Cortez, and the Sea Lion colony. These animals happily swim with divers and playfully nip at the equipment.
How You Can Help:
- NOAA: Learn more about the Sea Lion's habitat, threats, and efforts being made for conservation.
- World Wildlife Fund: Learn more about the Indus River Dolphin, conservation efforts, and what you can do to help ensure the species' survival.
- The Marine Mammal Center: Get detailed information about this species and what you can do to help.
