New Zealand sea lions are in trouble – without protection, they are threatened with extinction New Zealand sea lions (also known as whakahao/rāpoka or Hooker’s sea lion) are the rarest species of sea lion in the world and the most threatened because of their declining numbers. The New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri), also known as Hooker's sea lion, and whakahao in Māori, is a species of sea lion that primarily breeds on New Zealand's subantarctic Auckland and Campbell islands and to some extent around the coast of New Zealand's South and Stewart islands. Under local law, anyone who kills a sea lion could face up … Archaeological evidence points to the fact that native sea lions were once found along the entire length of New Zealand’s coast, from the North Island right down to Stewart Island and the sub-antarctic islands, too. Facts Summary: The New Zealand Sea Lion (Phocarctos hookeri) is a species of concern belonging in the species group "mammals" and found in the following area(s): Australia (Macquarie Is. ),New Zealand. Sea lions have thick fur and even thicker layers of blubber to keep them warm in their preferred cold climates, but they exist in all the oceans of the world except for the Atlantic ocean. Wild sea lions often feed cooperatively, eating 5 - 8% of their body weight each day, which is between 15 - 35 pounds (7 - 16 kg) of food. The New Zealand sea lion/rāpoka population is estimated to be around 12,000. Fur seals and sea lions are distinguished from other seals by their external ear flaps and hind flippers which rotate forward, allowing them to move quickly on land. Diet New Zealand Sea Lions feed on fish, crabs, penguins and octopus. “Sea puppy” might be a better fit. Unfortunately, a population decline has meant that nowadays these majestic marine mammals are mostly confined to the Otago and Southland regions and the sub-antarctic islands. Breeding After a gestation period of 12 months, New Zealand Sea Lions give birth to a single pup. This species is also known by the following name(s): Hooker's Sea Lion. The New Zealand sea lion - one of the rarest sea lion species in the world – has been listed as 'endangered” by an international conservation body. While there are a large range of animals in New Zealand from whales, sea lions, and penguins from mountain goats, buffalo, and tuataras, one of the many ecosystems is the relationship between the kiwi bird (visual #9), and the stoat (visual #8). Sea lions at Dolphin Research Center eat herring, smelt, and capelin. New Zealand Sea Lion – also known as the Hooker’s Sea Lion, the New Zealand Sea Lion is one of the largest animals found in New Zealand. The world's rarest sea lion. The pups are weaned within 1 year. Sea lions have 34 to 38 teeth, specially designed for grasping and tearing their food; however, their food is swallowed whole. In fact, the name “sea lion” may be a bit of a misnomer. Australian Sea Lion – Males are dark brown with a light yellow mane around their heads. New Zealand sea lions. The sea lions live only around the mainland and subantarctic islands of New Zealand, Auckland and Campbell islands and around the coast of New Zealand’s South and Stewart islands. Seals and sea lions are semiaquatic mammals with flippers for feet. 3. New Zealand sea lions are one of the rarest sea lion species in the world, with an estimated 12,000 left. Galapagos Sea Lion – very large, with the males being about 1,000 pounds when they are full grown. New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri), also known as Hooker’s sea lion, is a species of sea lion that primarily breeds on New Zealand. New Zealand sea lions are one of the rarest sea lion species in the world, with an estimated 12,000 left. New Zealand Sea Lions can be found on a few subantarctic islands south of New Zealand. New Zealand fur seals can be distinguished from sea lions by their pointy nose and smaller size. The New Zealand sea lion numbers around 10,000 and is perhaps the world's rarest sea lion species. Two animals include the kiwi bird and stoats. Sea lions are some of the most adorable creatures that you’ll find in the sea. There are more than 30 species and they live all over the world. Species of sea lions and fur seals can be found on the Bering strait, Australia and New Zealand… They breed mostly on our subantarctic islands (Auckland and Campbell islands particularly) but some also breed on Stewart Island and on the Otago and Southland coasts. Of course, this is purely an opinion, and you’re probably looking for a few sea lion facts, so here are seven of them: New Zealand Sea Lion.