Responding to human influence: South American sea lion males adapt to harbor habitats

RODRÍGUEZ, D; GIARDINO, G.; MANDIOLA, MA; GANA, JCM; DE LEÓN, MC; BASTIDA, J; MORÓN, S; DENUNCIO, P; BASTIDA, R

BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF OTARIIDS AND THE WALRUS

Springer

Año: 2020;

Male-only hauling grounds occur in close association to breeding colonies in several otariids. The occasional use of human-built infrastructure by these groups is also common. We studied during 35 years permanent male aggregations of Southern sea lions, Otaria flavescens, in urban contexts, such as two of the main fishing harbors in Argentina. These haulouts are located at about 700 km from Uruguay and northern Patagonia breeding grounds. Males from urban colonies have functional connections with both populations. A predictable pattern of dispersion during the breeding season, and return for wintering, indicate a high degree of site fidelity. Harbor habitats present new stimuli, threats and challenges to habituated sea lions. Sequential, rapid and spontaneous changes in the location of the aggregations may respond to quick learning and socially transmitted knowledge. Food provision via consumption of fish offal ? complemented with natural foraging - provide support to these aggregations during prolonged periods. The presence of hundreds of sea lions in harbors represents a management challenge. Fidelity to resting areas and habituation to human presence make difficult the design of strategies to avoid intensive use of critical sectors for port activity. Interaction with fishing gear results in frequent entanglements. The risk of mutual transmission of diseases with dogs and other domestic animals is a major potential problem for individuals in natural aggregations.