How do seals and sea lions differ

The true or earless seals have shorter less versatile front flippers, lending their movement a shuffling quality. Although both live in colonies, sea lions are somewhat more social creatures. They are also much more vocal, prone to loud barking. Seals spent a larger portion of their lives in the water, coming ashore primarily for mating and breeding. Here in Australia, sea lions are very rare. They are found only along the coasts of Western Australia and South Australia.

Other parts of the world where sea lions live include coastal California and the Galapagos Islands. Book your spot now. Shoalhaven Wineries and Breweries After a day at the beach or out on the water, there's nothing quite like a refreshing drink.

Fortunately, the Shoalhaven isn't just ideal for outdoor adventures, it is also known for its thriving food and wine culture. Here are some Jervis Bay is famous for many things — white sand, crystal clear waters and whale watching to name a few. Jervis Bay is also one of the few places in Australia where you can witness the incredible natural phenomena known as bioluminescence. Fourth, while both species spend time both in and out of the water, seals are better adapted to live in the water than on land.

Though their bodies can appear chubby, seals are generally smaller and more aquadynamic than sea lions. At the same time, their hind flippers angle backward and don't rotate. This makes them fast in the water but basic belly crawlers on terra firma. Sea lions, on the other hand, are able to "walk" on land by rotating their hind flippers forward and underneath their big bodies.

This is why they are more likely to be employed in aquaria and marine shows. Finally, seals are less social than their sea-lion cousins. Depending on the species, you can find rafts of sea lions basking in the sun in small groups or large groups numbering in the thousands. By comparison, seals spend more time in the water and are less likely to be found in groups.

They come on shore together once a year to mate. A group of seals is called a herd. California sea lions can be found in Monterey Bay and other California sanctuaries while grey seals and harbor seals are seen in Stellwagen Bank. Seals and sea lion are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Some are listed under the Endangered Species Act as well.