Seals and sea lions undergo hearing tests in Australian research

Two sea lions and two fur seals learned to press a paddle whenever they heard a tone, receiving fish as a reward for correct responses. The study, reported on 9 October, found the animals were most sensitive to sounds around 3.2 kilohertz . Researchers say the results provide a starting point for assessing noise from ships, aircraft and coastal construction. The findings are particularly important for the endangered Australian sea lion , whose population is estimated at just 12,000 . These animals rely on hearing to communicate, find food, navigate and detect danger. Lead researcher Christine Erbe , from Curtin University, said scientists first needed to establish which sounds the animals could hear before measuring their impact.