South American sea lion

The South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens), is a type of sea lion. It is also called the Southern Sea lion and the Patagonian sea lion. The South American fur sea lion is found on the Ecuadorian, Peruvian, Chilean, Falkland Islands, Argentinean, Uruguayan, and Southern Brazilian coasts. It is the only living species of the genus Otaria.

The South American sea lion was named Otaria flavescens by George Shaw in 1800. Shortly thereafter, another species, O. byronia, was named in 1820 by Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville.^[4] These two names were used historically, but today the preference is for the name O. flavencens.^[4] The most common nickname for this species depends largely on the location; for example, names such as "león marino" (sea lion) and "lobo marino" (sea wolf) exist in many regions and are used to refer to this species.

Like many species, the evolutionary history of the South American sea lion (Otaria flavecens) is still debated. The species is believed to have emerged in the Late Pleistocene, about 129,000 years ago. Paleontologists say this species evolved from ancestral species in the Late Pliocene and Middle Pleistocene.

Sea lions are usually not very aggressive, only becoming aggressive when provoked or when approached too closely. Many people still enjoy their presence. Many markets sell toys and artifacts made from this species, demonstrating compassion, admiration, and empathy for these animals.^[5]

It is estimated that there are as many as 265,000 South American sea lions present in the world. This species is quite common in Patagonia, in what is now Argentina.

This species typically feeds on fish, squid, and some species of octopus. They have been observed preying on penguins, seal pups, and even pelicans. This species may also be preyed upon by marine mammals such as orcas, great white sharks, and tiger sharks.^[5]