2. Main characteristicsMain characteristics
Japanese Sea LionsJapanese Sea Lions
became extinct in thebecame extinct in the
1950s. They had a body1950s. They had a body
length up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft)length up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
and they weighed up toand they weighed up to
450 kgs (990 lbs). They450 kgs (990 lbs). They
fed upon a variety of fish.fed upon a variety of fish.
Males were dark grey inMales were dark grey in
colour whereas femalescolour whereas females
were pale grey and muchwere pale grey and much
smaller than males.smaller than males.

3. HabitatHabitat
 Japanese Sea Lions wereJapanese Sea Lions were
found in the sea of Japanfound in the sea of Japan
along the coastal areas ofalong the coastal areas of
the Korean Peninsula, thethe Korean Peninsula, the
coasts of the Japanesecoasts of the Japanese
Archipelago, the KurilArchipelago, the Kuril
islands, and southern tipislands, and southern tip
of the Kamchatkaof the Kamchatka
Peninsula.Peninsula.
 They came ashore toThey came ashore to
breed on flat sandybreed on flat sandy
beaches and to rest inbeaches and to rest in
caves.caves.

4. Causes of extinctionCauses of extinction
Sea lions have been captured for the circus tradeSea lions have been captured for the circus trade
and have also been exploited for their skin andand have also been exploited for their skin and
oil. Certain internal organs were also valuable inoil. Certain internal organs were also valuable in
Oriental medicine and its whiskers wereOriental medicine and its whiskers were
reportedly used as pipe cleaners.reportedly used as pipe cleaners.
However, the main reason for the extinction of theHowever, the main reason for the extinction of the
Japanese Sea Lion is thought to be persecutionJapanese Sea Lion is thought to be persecution
by fishermen. Rumour has it that Koreanby fishermen. Rumour has it that Korean
soldiers used sea lions in shooting practicessoldiers used sea lions in shooting practices