Scientists put tiny cameras on a load of Aussie sea lions – and what they found was mesmerising

Scientists put tiny cameras on a load of Aussie sea lions – and what they found was mesmerising

The footage has given researchers a fascinating insight into the foraging behaviours of sea lions.

Published: July 24, 2024 at 7:07 am

By attaching 'crittercams' to sea lions, researchers have captured amazing footage of Australian sea lions swimming and hunting different prey.

“We even got footage of the mother capturing a giant cuttlefish, while the pup was right next to her, suggesting that the mother is demonstrating to the pup how to locate, capture and consume prey,” says Nathan Angelakis, PhD student with The University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences).

The cameras were removed after a single foraging trip (around 4-6 days).

A 'crittercam' captures footage of the diverse habitats that make up a sea lion's range. Credit: Nathan Angelakis
A mum and her pup explore the Australian coastline. Credit: Nathan Angelakis
Sea lion catches prey. Credit: Nathan Angelakis

This project was supported by The Australian Government under the National Environmental Science Program (NESP), Marine and Coastal Hub and The Ecological Society of Australia under the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment.

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