Age distribution of lactating New Zealand sea lions: Interannual and intersite variation

The age distribution of 865 lactating New Zealand sea lions (NZSLs; Phocarctos hookeri) was investigated over 3 yr (1999–2001) at two breeding colonies, Sandy Bay and Dundas Island, New Zealand. Lactating females were aged between 3 and 26 yr with a maximum observed age of 28 yr. The mean age of lactating females was 11.1 (SE = 0.16) yr. Age distributions peaked at ages 8 and 9 with a strong