A national research effort aimed at saving Australia's iconic sea lions will look at cat faeces, heavy metals, microplastics, and climate change as possible culprits for the species' continued decline.
A national study will look at why sea lion populations are falling and provide genome sequencing for the endangered marine mammal for the first time.The study will help develop management strategies under the 10-year Threatened Species Action Plan to help the species survive.
A new study, involving universities from around the country, will try to pinpoint what is preventing the species, once decimated by sealing, from recovering to healthy levels. "We will be going out to those populations over the next 18 months during the breeding season and taking a number of samples from pups.
As well as the institute's scientists, researchers from Macquarie University, the University of Sydney, the University of Western Australia, the Minderoo Foundation, and the South Australian Department for Environment and Water will also be involved in the study.The possible impact of toxoplasmosis parasites — found in cat faeces and known to affect reproductive rates in sheep — will be investigated, as the parasite is "fairly widespread in a lot of marine organisms".
A separate research project using cameras attached to sea lions discovered prey habitats that could impact the species' survival.A third part of the project will use data from 13 consecutive breeding seasons at Seal Bay, on Kangaroo Island, to assess the impact of extreme heat events that are becoming more prevalent with climate change.
Endangered Pollutants PFAS Toxoplasmosis Climate Change Breeding Habitat Population Decline Islands Breeding Sea Lion Pups Seals Simon Goldsworthy Minderoo Foundation
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian punk rock pioneers the Saints announce national tourJoining founding guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay in new five-piece lineup for November tour will be Mudhoney singer Mark Arm
Read more »
Radio presenter unhappy with Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright’s ‘hip’ version of the national anthem7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Taylor Swift, Pink and Australian Grand Prix boosted national economic activity in March quarterABS says spending for the period would have been lower for clothing, merchandise and dining if not for Eras tour
Read more »
WATCH LIVE: News boss addresses National Press Club on the state of Australian mediaNews Corp Australasia Executive Chair Michael Miller will use his National Press Club speech on Wednesday to address social media platforms in a bid to get them to comply with Australian rules.
Read more »
The fold of P&O Cruises Australia signals the end of Australian-branded cruisingP&O Cruises Australia is set to fold as its US-based company decides it's too expensive to operate the brand in Australia, with the news being labelled 'heartbreaking' by experts.
Read more »
Exhibition of works from celebrated, if controversial, artist Paul Gauguin opens at National Gallery of AustraliaCelebrated 19th-century Post-Impressionist French painter and sculptor Paul Gauguin is one of the world's most famous artists, but his works have been cast in a new light ever since troubling allegations of sex crimes emerged.
Read more »