South American Sea Lion

Adult males have a heavy neck, broad muzzle and conspicuous mane; females are smaller and more slender. Both have visible ear flaps. On land, sea lions can support themselves on all four flippers, a useful distinction from the crawling movement of elephant seals.

Colonies alternate busy breeding periods with resting and feeding activity. Adults leave shore to hunt fish and cephalopods, then return to haul out. Along Valdés, breeding takes place in summer, with many births in January; the mix of males, females and young changes through the year.

In our region. Present along the regional coast throughout the year. Breeding activity is concentrated in December–February, while the purpose and composition of individual haul-outs vary seasonally.