The Japanese sea lion (Zalophus japonicus) is thought to have become extinct in the 1970s.
Prior to 2003 it was considered to be a subspecies of California sea lion as Zalophus californianus japonicus. However, it was subsequently reclassified as a separate species. Some taxonomists still consider it as a subspecies of the California sea lion. It has been argued that japonicus, californianus, and wollenbaeki are distinct species because of their distant habitation areas and behavioral differences.
They inhabited the Sea of Japan, especially around the coastal areas of the Japanese Archipelago and the Korean Peninsula. They generally bred on sandy beaches which were open and flat, but sometimes in rocky areas.
Currently, several stuffed specimens can be found in Japan and the National Museum of Natural History, Leiden, the Netherlands, bought by Philipp Franz von Siebold. The British Museum possesses a pelt and 4 skull specimens.
Read more about Japanese Sea Lion: Physical Description, Range and Habitat, Lifestyle and Reproduction, Human Uses, Extinction, Population Revival Efforts
Famous quotes containing the words japanese, sea and/or lion:
“The Japanese are, to the highest degree, both aggressive and unaggressive, both militaristic and aesthetic, both insolent and polite, rigid and adaptable, submissive and resentful of being pushed around, loyal and treacherous, brave and timid, conservative and hospitable to new ways.”
—Ruth Benedict (1887–1948)
“We have found that morals are not, like bacon, to be cured by hanging; nor, like wine, to be improved by sea voyages; nor, like honey, to be preserved in cells.”
—William Cooke Taylor (1800–1849)
“The lion cares less about being king of the beasts than about finding his dinner.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)