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For two million years, the world's largest sea lions have survived along Alaska's rocky coastline, but now the population is declining at an alarming rate.
Wild Chronicles joins a team of scientists using Crittercam® to investigate theories about the Steller sea lions' mysterious disappearance, and uncover clues that could save the species.
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Why does Richard, a biologist, call the declining population of Steller sea lions "a great mystery"?
The population of Steller sea lions has shrunk radically, but, as Richard says, "there are no bodies." Without bodies, biologists are unable to analyze the health or circumstances surrounding the animals' deaths.
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Don, another biologist, studies the health of Steller sea lions. What does he find?
Steller sea lions weigh less today than they did 20 years ago.
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What is the primary food source for Steller sea lions?
Walleye pollock (also called Alaska pollock) accounts for more than half of a Steller sea lion's diet.
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What other predator hunts this food source?
People have developed an enormous pollock fishery in Alaska.
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Competition for food may contribute tothe declining population of Steller sea lions. What may be other contributing factors?
Scientists are researching the effects of pollution and changing water temperatures on Steller sea lions.
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Term Part of Speech Definition Encyclopedic Entry coast Noun edge of land along the sea or other large body of water.
Encyclopedic Entry: coast Crittercam Noun camera designed to be worn on a wild animal, providing a "critter-eye view" of the animal's environment.
decline Verb to reduce or go down in number.
population Noun total number of people or organisms in a particular area.
sea lion Noun marine mammal.
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Writer
Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society
Editor
Jeannie Evers, Emdash Editing
Producer
Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society
Last Updated
Nov. 14, 2016
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