Despite the extensive hunting of seals during the 1800s, certain seal populations have shown signs of recovery, leading to an increase in their numbers. However, this resurgence is not consistent across all seal species, as some continue to face significant challenges to their survival, not sharing in the same positive trends observed in others. This highlights the varying ecological impacts of historical hunting practices and the ongoing conservation needs for different seal species.
These include the the sub-Antarctic Fur Seal, the southern Elephant Seal and the Australian Sea Lion. These and all other seals as well as sea lions and walruses are protected in Australia.
With a bit of luck, they can be spotted in the wild along the Southern Australia Coastline. Some have even been spotted as far north as Sydney in New South Wales and along the Coral Coast in Western Australia.
The Australian Fur Seal
ound around southern Victoria, Bass Strait, Tasmania, and South Australia
Largest fur seal species in the world
Males can weigh over 300 kg
Australian Sea Lion
Breeds from WA’s Houtman Abrolhos Islands to SA’s Pages Islands
Silver-ash females and chocolate-brown males
Listed as *vulnerable* under Australian law
Visitors from the Antarctic & Subantarctic
Australia is home to a fascinating mix of seal species—some breed right on the mainland and nearby islands, while others are occasional visitors from the icy south.
Leopard Seal
Breeds in Antarctica but occasionally seen off southern Australia and Tasmania
Sleek, powerful predators with a haunting call
Southern Elephant Seal
Breeds on subantarctic islands
Largest of all pinnipeds—males can weigh up to 4 tonnes
Once hunted for oil, now recovering
Mysteriously still declining in numbers
Seeing them in the Wild
If you are ever exploring the southern coasts or islands, keep your eyes peeled. These marine mammals are as charismatic as they are powerful.
Note: Care must be taken upon seeing a seal in the wild. Like other animals that survive in the wild, they should be left alone to take care of their young. Seals can also move quite quickly and have been known to bite if disturbed.
In the past, seals were hunted for their prized fur. Many colonies were wiped out all over the world, including in Australia. However, a number of colonies are beginning a comeback in numbers, today, they are a protected species in Australia.
Seals: Enjoying a Typical Day at the Beach
Next: Sharks in Australian Waters
Australian Seals
Map of Australia
Despite the extensive hunting of seals during the 1800s, certain seal populations have shown signs of recovery, leading to an increase in their numbers. However, this resurgence is not consistent across all seal species, as some continue to face significant challenges to their survival, not sharing in the same positive trends observed in others. This highlights the varying ecological impacts of historical hunting practices and the ongoing conservation needs for different seal species.
These include the the sub-Antarctic Fur Seal, the southern Elephant Seal and the Australian Sea Lion. These and all other seals as well as sea lions and walruses are protected in Australia.
With a bit of luck, they can be spotted in the wild along the Southern Australia Coastline. Some have even been spotted as far north as Sydney in New South Wales and along the Coral Coast in Western Australia.
The Australian Fur Seal
Australian Sea Lion
Visitors from the Antarctic & Subantarctic
Australia is home to a fascinating mix of seal species—some breed right on the mainland and nearby islands, while others are occasional visitors from the icy south.
Leopard Seal
Southern Elephant Seal
Seeing them in the Wild
If you are ever exploring the southern coasts or islands, keep your eyes peeled. These marine mammals are as charismatic as they are powerful.
Note: Care must be taken upon seeing a seal in the wild. Like other animals that survive in the wild, they should be left alone to take care of their young. Seals can also move quite quickly and have been known to bite if disturbed.
In the past, seals were hunted for their prized fur. Many colonies were wiped out all over the world, including in Australia. However, a number of colonies are beginning a comeback in numbers, today, they are a protected species in Australia.
Where to See Seals in Australia
Seals in Australia
Tasmania
Tasmania, with much of its coast pristine has all kinds of marine wildlife, including different types of seals.
Tasmanian Seals
Other Australian Seals
Those known to have been seen in Australia:
Seals
Seals can be spotted in the wild along the coastline of Southern Australia, even as far north as Sydney, NSW and the Coral Coast in Western Australia.
Wombats of Australia
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Previous: World Heritage Sites in Australia
Topic: Australia National Parks
Main Photo: Seals: Enjoying a Typical Day at the Beach