Evidence for social transmission of foraging behaviour in the Australian sea lion

Abstract

In mammals, social transmission of information from mother to offspring can help young to develop specialised and complex foraging behaviours. Although this social transmission is well recognised in some marine mammals, no conclusive evidence has been reported for otariids (fur seals and sea lions). Here, using animal-borne video and movement data from an adult female Australian sea lion, we provide evidence for mother-to-pup social transmission of foraging behaviour. Social transmission of foraging behaviour may be a component of development in Australian sea lions, whereby prolonged maternal care (~18 months) could provide mothers the opportunity to demonstrate foraging behaviours to pups.