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| Greenpeace Banner Of Steller Sea Lion Bull [1] |
Originally at a size of about 250,000 individuals, the Steller Sea Lion Population is currently numbering at 85,000 [3]. Since 1990, the species has been listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Currently, they are slowly recovering as a species.
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| [2] |
Preferring the colder waters of the northern Pacific Ocean, Steller sea lions are found along the coasts of Japan all the way to California. Currently there are two genetically distinct populations of the species. One population extends from the Gulf of Alaska to the east, known as the "Western Population". The other resides from southeast Alaska to the south, known as the "Eastern Population". Currently, the Western Population of Steller sea lions are endangered. Since the 1970's, the population has decreased by 70-80%. Also, the Eastern Population is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act(ESA).
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| Steller Sea Lion Pup [4] |
The Steller sea lion plays an important role in the ecological food chain along Pacific shores. Sharks and Orcas hunt them and they prey on many species of fish, octopus, squid, and sometimes seals. Since they are in the middle of the trophic cascade, they are a good stabilizer for species populations. Breeding time among this species is considered one of nature's greatest spectacles, the sea lions form large colonies along the shore and the males must compete with each other for the right to breed. The health and prosperity of this species represents how well the environment that we live in is being preserved.
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| Roaring Steller Sea Lion Bull [1] |
A size from 7.5 to 9.5 ft and a weight of 1.2 tons, the Steller sea lion is the largest species of all sea lions. Also known as the northern sea lion, the adults of this species typically have light to reddish brown fur coats. In this species, there is a sexual dimorphism. The bulls(male) are three times larger than the cows(female). Bulls tend to have a lifespan of 20 years and cows 30 years. Feeding mainly on fish and cephalopods, they are known to migrate long distances and are able dive to depths of up to 1300 ft.
