Australian sea lion

The Australian Sea lion ( Neophoca cinerea ) is the only species of Otarie of the kind Neophoca, of the subfamily of the otarinés (Sea lion). It reproduces only on the southern parts of Australia. At present, there remain still approximately 12000 Australian sea lions protected by " the National Australian Parks and Wildlife Act " from 1972 which in prohibited the hunting started with the arrival of the European immigrants on the continent.

The Australian sea lion lives only in the ocean close to the Australian coasts. It is nourished only at sea, where it drives out fish, squids and other marine animals. Its pectoral fins enable him to move quickly in water and it can be driven easily on the ground while going on its four fins.

The cycle of reproduction of the Australian sea lion is most original of all the family of the Otariidés. The gestation period is 18 months but the period of low setting varies according to the colonies: it is spread out over 5 to 7 months and can even reach 9 months with " Seal Bay" (the bay of the otaries) on Kangaroo Island.

The males do not have a particular territory during the season of reproduction. As of their more young age, they fight between them to establish a hierarchy and the dominant males will have the right to couple themselves with the females when they are fertilizable (Estrus). A female becomes fertile during 24 hours, 7 to 8 days after the low setting. After low setting, it deals only with its small last and will drive out that of the preceding range if it comes to seek with the téter.

Morphology

  • length of the body:
    • male: between 2 m and 2,5 m
    • female: 1,5 m
  • length of the tail:
  • height with the garrot:
  • adult weight: 250 to 350 kg
    • male: 300
    • female: 80

Physiology

  • sexual maturity: 3 years
  • gestation: 18 months with a 9 months stop
  • many young people/carried: 1
  • many ranges/year:
  • free longevity
    • : 17 to 25 years
    • captive:

Localization

  • Peaceful and southern seas
food Mode
  • Crustacean S, small fish, Octopus S
Predatory
  • sharks

See Too

  • Kangaroo Island

External bonds

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