South Australia has confirmed the first death of an endangered Australian sea lion due to H5 bird flu, a highly contagious strain that poses a new threat to the critically low population. With fewer than 12,000 individuals remaining—some estimates suggesting even lower numbers—the discovery raises urgent conservation concerns, particularly as most of the species’ remaining population is concentrated in the state. Experts are now assessing the potential risks to the species, which is already under pressure from habitat threats and declining numbers. The case marks a worrying development for wildlife officials monitoring the spread of avian influenza in marine mammals.
South Australian authorities say case discovered on Kangaroo Island is first for species of which less than 12,000 animals remainGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSouth Australia has recorded the first death of an endangered Australian sea lion from H5 bird flu.Experts say about 12,000 Australian sea lions remain – though a more recent estimate put the figure at less than 10,000. Most of the population are found in South Australia, with the remainder in Western Australia. Continue reading...
