Pinnipeds - California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)
Young male and female California sea lions look very similar with blond or light brown fur, but when males reach 4 or 5 year old, their fur changes to a dark red or chocolate brown color and they develop a blonde patch on top of their head as they age. Adult males may be up to 8 feet long and 1,000 pounds. California sea lion females are blond to dark brown. Females maybe over 5 feet long and weight up to 220 pounds. Pups are dark brown at birth and weigh about 16 pounds. When pups are 4 or 5 months old they molt their dark brown coat for a light brown or silver coat.
NMML researchers brand California sea lions and re-sight branded animals over their lifespan to describe patterns in survival and reproduction, which are needed to develop a species-specific population growth models. Photos of brands and tagged animals help researchers identify unique animals from year to year.
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