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Seals and Sea Lions Take Hearing Tests at Sydney's Taronga Zoo
Key Takeaways
- Keepers at Sydney's Taronga Zoo trained two sea lions and two fur seals to press a paddle when they heard a tone, earning fish rewards for correct answers.
- The peer-reviewed study found the pinnipeds were most sensitive to sounds around 3.2 kilohertz.
- Lead researcher Christine Erbe of Curtin University said the tests establish a baseline needed before asking how ship, boat, aircraft and coastal construction noise affects the animals.
- The endangered Australian sea lion, with an estimated population of about 12,000, relies on hearing for communication, finding food, navigation and detecting threats.
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DT Editorial Team··via phys.org