According to the census conducted in January, there was a record number of births during the season with 125 pups of sea lions. Last year, the number of pups counted was 87. These records show that the sea lion colony in the Punta Marqués Protected Area is one of the few in Chubut that is still growing.
Reproduction and rest on the coasts of Patagonia
Sea lions form colonies to reproduce and rest on the coasts of Patagonia. The rocky platform of Punta Marqués is a chosen area where individuals of this species arrive from December and stay until May. While the adults return to the sea to feed, the pups and juveniles remain in the colony. Between March and May, the colony reaches its maximum number.
The first studies at the sea lion rookery in Punta Marqués were carried out in 1990. During those years, the area researchers did not record any births, so the colony was considered non-reproductive and the number of individuals did not exceed 400 specimens.
However, studies conducted between 2014 and 2020 revealed changes in the dynamics of the sea lion colony. In 2013, 12 pups were counted and the total population was 3,400. Currently, the total population exceeds 5,500 individuals.
Record of births in Punta Marqués
According to the recent sea lion census of the 2023 breeding season, 102 pups were born in Punta Marqués, setting a new record for births. In 2022, the number of births had set the previous record with 86 pups.
The Punta Marqués Natural Protected Area, managed by the municipality of Rada Tilly through the Sports and Tourism Secretariat, was created in 1984 by a municipal ordinance with the aim of protecting the colony of South American sea lions.
This species suffered from commercial exploitation during the last century, so the recovery of their populations is essential. The increase in births and the growth of the sea lion population is good news that reflects the success of protection measures.
Conservation and protection in Punta Marqués
In 1985, Punta Marqués was integrated into the protected natural areas of the province and today is an important research center that works in conjunction with the National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB).
The incorporation of technology into the Natural Protected Area, such as drones, provides valuable information for research monitoring the dynamics of the sea lion population and to record new species in the area.
The sea lion colony is located in an untouchable area, where it is prohibited by law to approach within 500 meters. This restriction, which carries fines, aims to protect the colony.
When walking too close to the sea lions, the animals flee towards the sea, and these stampedes often lead to the crushing death of pups or even adult individuals. Reaching the colony is also dangerous for people, as they can get trapped between the sea and the hill when the tide rises.
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