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Home > Native Plants & Animals > Animals of Tasmania > Mammals > Seals > Australian Sea Lion

Australian Sea Lion

The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) has a breeding range which extends from islands off Western Australia to islands east of Kangaroo Island (South Australia). The total population size of this species is estimated to be 10,000 animals. The Australian sea lion once bred in Bass Strait but was eradicated by the sealing industry.

Australian sea lions have been rarely recorded in Tasmania and are difficult to distinguish from other local seal species if you're not an experienced observer.

The Australian sea lion is known to feed on a wide variety of prey, including fish, cephalopods, sharks, rock lobsters and sea birds. Tracking studies of this species indicates that breeding females are 'benthic' or bottom feeders on the continental shelf 20-30 kms offshore, and dive to depths less than 150 metres.

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This page - http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/BHAN-53K49N?open - was last published on 18 June 2009 by the Department of Primary Industries and Water. Questions concerning its content can be sent to NatureConservation Enquiries by using the feedback form, by mail to GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001, or by telephone to 03 6233 6556.

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