One of the Rarest Sea Lions Gets Its Best Breeding Season Ever

One of the rarest sea lion species in the world has just seen its best breeding season on record.

“It feels like Dunedin’s sea lion population has turned a corner, with a widespread presence across local beaches, and these numbers are a great reflection of the increased presence we’re seeing,” says Jim Fyfe, biodiversity ranger of the Department of Conservation Coastal Otago.

There is an estimated total of about 12,000 New Zealand sea lion individuals worldwide. It holds a nationally vulnerable status and is one of the rarest sea lion species in the world. During the most recent breeding season in Dunedin, more than 30 sea lion pups were born, and they were recently spotted by rivers, forests, and even golf courses. Across Dunedin, locals are being asked to keep an eye out for sea lions, particularly when driving on coastal roads. This most recent breeding system gives a glimmer of hope for this vulnerable species.