The first pakake pup of the Otago/New Zealand sea lion breeding season has been born.

The Department of Conservation has announced that six-year-old sea lion, Tui, had a pup on Christmas Day beginning what’s hoped to be another successful breeding season for the nationally endangered species. The pup’s gender isn’t known yet but may be revealed as part of the tagging process which will be carried out in the coming months.

Tui is directly descended from a female named Mum, who gave birth to the first pup born on mainland New Zealand in 1993, following a 150-year of absence of breeding for the species.

This birth continues Mum’s legacy and the hope the growing population of pakake around Otago will help the species recovery and act as insurance for the declining population in the sub-Antarctic islands. To achieve breeding colony status, at least 35 pups need to be born every year for 5 years.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Moss Thompson says from now on rangers are expecting to encounter more mother-and-pup pairs around the coast.

“There are approximately 49 breeding-age females in our population this year and we are expecting around 35 pups. They are very vulnerable during this time so please give them plenty of space and leave them time to rest and form essential mother-pup bonds.

“In some areas, there may be changes to access tracks on certain beaches, and signs requesting no dogs, or that they are kept on leads. These changes will be temporary while we have mums and pups using these areas. Please follow this signage when you’re out naturing in the area and be prepared to use another access route or walk your dog in the other direction.

“Over the festive season, DOC staff, mana whenua, and New Zealand Sea Lion Trust volunteers will be out and about keeping an eye on things. Feel free to say hello and have a chat about anything pakake related. During this time, pakake will be crossing the roads and using parks in coastal areas so please drive carefully and check your surroundings before letting your dog off the leash.”

If you see a pup in an area which is not sign posted or marked, please let the Department of Conservation know on 0800 DOC HOT.

Background information

Pakake are one of the world’s rarest sea lion species and found only in New Zealand.

They face threats from human activity (including fishing), diseases, and pup mortality. Pups weigh between eight and ten kilograms at birth. Breeding occurs over the summer months, and breeding colonies usually occupy the same sites every year.

In Otago pups are born from late December through to mid-January. We don’t see harems in Otago – as our local population is so small, females use different tactics and hide away from males to birth their pups (in the sub-Antarctic islands they form harems on beaches). Females do not give birth on the beach around Otago, instead travelling inland to densely vegetated areas, parks, golf courses, and even people’s back yards.

Always Be Naturing celebrates New Zealanders’ love of nature and encourages everyone to get involved. DOC is one of many organisations protecting nature, and we need the collective effort of all New Zealanders so nature thrives for generations to come. Find out how you can help www.doc.govt.nz/always-be-naturing

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