Otaria byronia, commonly known as the Byron Bay seal or the Australian fur seal, is a species of eared seal native to Australia. It is a member of the family Otariidae, which also includes sea lions and fur seals.
The Otaria byronia has a robust and athletic build, with males typically growing larger than females. They have a dense, brownish-gray fur which helps to insulate them from the cold waters they inhabit. These seals have external ear flaps, which is a characteristic feature of eared seals, and they possess strong flippers that aid in swimming and maneuvering underwater.
This species is primarily found along the southern coastlines of Australia, particularly near the Bass Strait, Tasmania, and South Australia. They prefer rocky coastlines and islands where they can rest and breed. Otaria byronia is an expert swimmer and diver, known to plunge to depths of up to 200 meters in search of prey, which primarily consists of fish, squid, and occasionally shellfish.
Although its population was once heavily depleted due to historical hunting and habitat degradation, conservation efforts have resulted in a significant recovery of the Otaria byronia population in recent years. It is now considered a protected species in Australia. They are known for their playful behavior, often seen surfing in the waves and interacting with each other in large groups, known as colonies or harems.
