Australian sea lion: much more than a weird wet dog

The Australian sea lion is the only pinniped, or seal, found exclusively in Australia. Known for their agility and curiosity, these playful marine mammals are sadly endangered.

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Name: Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea)

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Size: Length 2-2.5 metres, weight up to approximately 100kg (females) or 250kg (males)

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Diet: Carnivores, eating a variety of demersal fish, elasmobranchs (rays), rock lobster, cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, octopus) and gastropods

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Habitat: South coast of Australia including WA and SA

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Conservation status: Endangered

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Superpower: Australian sea lions are the only seal that does not breed annually, instead getting together every 17.5 months.

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Australian sea lion: much more than a weird wet dog

The Australian sea lion is the only pinniped, or seal, found exclusively in Australia. Known for their agility and curiosity, these playful marine mammals are sadly endangered.

Name: Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea)

Size: Length 2-2.5 metres, weight up to approximately 100kg (females) or 250kg (males)

Diet: Carnivores, eating a variety of demersal fish, elasmobranchs (rays), rock lobster, cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish, octopus) and gastropods

Habitat: South coast of Australia including WA and SA

Conservation status: Endangered

Superpower: Australian sea lions are the only seal that does not breed annually, instead getting together every 17.5 months.

cosmosmagazine.com

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