A recent study published in Current Biology noted that male sea lions that call California home are actually getting bigger, not smaller, as a result of climate change. They have shown an increase in average body size even with continued population growth, which leads to increased competition for food and resources. In the study, which […]
Tag: california sea lion
Mysterious California sea lion deaths linked to toxic synthetic chemicals
Sea lions in California had been dying of a mysterious cancer for decades. Now, scientists say they have finally uncovered the likely cause: toxic chemicals from industrial trash, pesticides and oil refinery waste. A team of mammal pathologists, virologists, chemists and geneticists have concluded that sea lions with higher concentrations of DDT, PCBs and other […]
US allows killing of hundreds of sea lions to save struggling salmon
US authorities have given wildlife managers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho permission to start killing hundreds of sea lions in the Columbia River basin in hopes of helping struggling salmon and steelhead trout. The marine mammals long ago figured out that they could feast on the migrating fish where they bottleneck at dams or where […]
Toxic Algae Causing Brain Damage, Memory Loss in Sea Lions
A toxin produced by marine algae can impair sea lions’ memory, scientists reported Monday, making it difficult for sick sea lions to find their way to food. Large growths, or blooms, of the algae off the coast of California may have contributed to the unprecedented number of starving sea lions that have washed up on […]
Mysterious Sea Lion Die-Off Strikes Again on California Coast
For the third winter in a row, starving sea lion pups are washing ashore on California’s beaches. Since January 1, nearly 500 of the tiny animals have been admitted to the state’s rehabilitation centers—a number many times higher than normal. Why these animals are struggling to survive is a mystery, and early stranding numbers suggest that […]
Most Popular and Widely-Read Articles in Apr 2013
The purpose of this review is to highlight the most popular and widely-read articles during the previous month. During April our global team of wildlife photographers and authors published 182 articles in promoting the cause of wildlife conservation. First prize goes once again to Adam Riley with Komodo and its Dragons, an article published in […]
NOAA declares “Unusual Mortality Event” for California Sea Lions
Beginning in January 2013, unusually high numbers of stranded California sea lion pups have been observed on the Southern California coast. Marine mammals naturally come ashore along our beaches if they are sick, wounded, or injured. This year, pups have been washing up with obvious signs of emaciation, dehydration, and low body weight for their […]