The first pakake pup of the Otago/New Zealand sea lion breeding season has officially been born, DOC has announced.
Six-year-old sea lion, Tui, had a pup on Christmas Day, starting off what is hoped to be another successful breeding season for the Nationally Endangered species. The pup's gender isn't known yet, but may be determined as part of the tagging process when that work is undertaken in a few months.
Tui is directly descended from 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 five 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 pooch 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, Moss says.
"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.
