Australian Sea Lion [Neophoca cinerea]
Description
The Australian Sea Lion, also known as Neophoca cinerea, is a unique species of sea lion that is found mostly in the southern and western coasts of Australia. They have a distinctive body structure with a large, bulky body and a comparatively small head. Males are much larger than females and have a dark brown to black coloration, while females are silver to fawn. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Their breeding cycle is unusual among pinnipeds, with an extended breeding season that lasts for about 5 months. The Australian Sea Lion is currently listed as endangered, with habitat destruction and entanglement in fishing gear as the main threats to its survival.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Carnivorans
Carnivora
|
| Family |
Eared Seals
Otariidae
|
| Genus |
Australian Sea Lions
Neophoca
|