The Edith Cowan University (ECU) reported an innovative solution by which professionals assist in monitoring area seal assemblies, thus aiding in seal protection measures. Australian sea lion (Niuvoca cineria) is an endangered species native only to the southwest coast of Australia. Researchers conduct large-scale surveys in cooperation with government and non-governmental organizations.
Marking Seals
Source: ECU
“The application of hair dye is temporary and completely safe, just like humans, and allows approx. For two months, we can monitor the movement of each individual between the coasts and between Carnac Island and Seal Island,” explained Chandra Salgado Kent, Associate Professor at ECU’s Marine Ecosystems Research Institute. “Using this method, we can accurately determine the peak number of animals living near the Perth agglomeration from December to January, when we would expect the highest number of individuals here.” (Area means a stretch of coastline of about 180 km in length.)
The marking, which has been used on seals in other areas for a long time, is not harmful to animals in any way, and they can number each animal in just a few minutes. The researchers attach the figures cut from the sponges one by one to a sheet of paper, which is then placed at the end of a pole. Hair dye is applied to the outside of the sponge and then simply pressed against the animal’s back or side. Thanks to the shafts, one does not have to get very close to the seals during the maneuver.
A transmitter was also attached to some of the animals that could be used to follow the animals’ movements in detail for a few months.
Source: ECU
In addition to drawing, satellite trackers have also been applied to some animals. These are also placed on the animal’s hair, with the help of a little glue, and after one to two months, when the animal thaws, the transmitter falls off along with its hair, at which time researchers can collect the devices. With the help of beacons, it is possible to find out where sea lions go to eat and hunt. By understanding the sites of particular importance to them, the researchers hope to be able to more effectively protect the species, whose numbers have fallen by 60 percent in the past 40 years.
