The Australian Sealion (Neophoca cinerea) is found only in Australia and is considered one of the most endangered pinnipeds in the world. The reason for this is not fully known but it is thought that a high pup mortality rate could be one of the reasons. Fewer than 25 sealion pups are produced on average each year.
Other reasons for their decline include entanglement in fishing nets, particularly gill nets, and crayfish pots are one of the main threats to the species. Concerns have also been raised about fish farms near sealion haul outs or feeding areas.
This curious sealion was photographed in South Australia.