Japanese Sea Lion
Last confirmed sighting 1951
Declared extinct by ICUN 1994.
Originally considered a subspecies of Californian sea lions, later were confirmed to be a separate species in 2003.
Extinction due to over hunting & habitat destruction.
The Japanese sea lion was a species of pinniped found in the western North Pacific, including Japan and the Korean Peninsula. They typically resided on open beaches, and occasionally in rocky areas. They also often would rest in caves.
Rare footage of Japanese Sea Lions
Japanese sea lions were victims of both over hunting and habitat destruction. They were primarily hunted for oil, with other parts being used for medicine and other goods. The commercial harvest of them is considered to be a primary factor in their extinction.
Habitat destruction, particularly destruction brought on by WW2 submarines is also believed to have played a role in their extinction.
Along with the Caribbean Monk Seal, these two make up the only pinnipeds to go extinct in modern times.
Animal welfare advocacy should be about the animals, not an agenda
Aerial photos of J-pod socialising
Photos by SR3/SEA (source)
lets lean on a pipe with mama (x)
“The Navigator”
sealed with a kiss 💋
casey and hogan - seattle aquarium
let’s swim with mama
i love this "with mama" meme. mm yes give me more baby animals with mmama.
this picture is so beautiful to me, the colours brothers
Today's Seals Are: Robot Uprising
please stop calling the california sea lions that are acting abnormally “demonic”. they are experiencing domoic acid toxicosis. domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxin that is made by an algae called pseudo-nitzschia australis. fish eat the algae and the sea lions eat the fish. this buildup of DA in their system is what causes the behaviours we’re seeing. symptoms of DA toxicosis include: lethargy, disorientation, unpredictable behaviour, seizures, brain damage, and eventually death.
as far as we know, there have only been two unprovoked sea lion attacks on beaches. the vast majority of sea lions with DA toxicosis are not aggressive unless provoked. they are disoriented and they are acting out of fear.
DA is naturally occurring, but the algal blooms of pseudo-nitzschia australis have been increasing due to rising temperatures from climate change and water pollution. we are doing this to them.
affected sea lions seem to have pretty much a 50% chance of survival with treatment. they need IV fluids to flush out the toxin and some will need seizure medication as well. the marine mammal care center is completely overwhelmed with the amount of sick sea lions they are taking in and they need funding to keep up. you can donate to them here.
always stay at least 45 meters / 50 yards away from marine mammals! it protects both them and us!