In December 1996, a survey by helicopter of the Baxter Cliffs region of the
Great Australian Bight in Western Australia did not locate any previously
unreported colonies of the Australian sea lion or New Zealand fur seal. Alt
hough geologically contiguous with the Bunda Cliffs in South Australia (whe
re sea lions have a scattered distribution), the Baxter Cliffs appeared gen
erally more weathered and stable, with fewer collapsed sections of cliff fo
rming platforms and providing habitat for seals.
In total, 29 Australian sea lions were observed during the survey. Most wer
e at a previously surveyed site approximately 2 km west of Twilight Cove. T
en other sites were recorded as potentially providing haul-out opportunity
for sea lions; they were mainly caves and deep overhangs with access from t
he sea. No fur seals were seen.
From this survey and from other records, we estimate the Australian sea lio
n population along the Baxter Cliffs in the Great Australian Bight region o
f Western Australia at less than 100 animals.