How does climate change uniquely threaten the Western Australian Sea Lion population?

Climate change poses a unique threat to the Western Australian Sea Lion population through several mechanisms:

1. Rising Sea Temperatures: Climate change leads to an increase in sea temperatures. This can disrupt the food chain of the sea lions, as the fish and squid they feed on may move to cooler waters or their populations may decline due to changes in their own food sources.

2. Ocean Acidification: Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to higher levels of CO2 absorption by the ocean, causing the water to become more acidic. This can harm shellfish and other small marine creatures that sea lions rely on for food.

3. Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels due to melting polar ice can lead to the loss of coastal habitats where sea lions breed and rest. This can lead to overcrowding and increased competition for resources on the remaining land.

4. Increased Storm Intensity: Climate change can lead to more intense and frequent storms. These can disrupt sea lion breeding cycles and cause direct harm to individuals and pups.

5. Changes in Prey Availability: Changes in ocean currents and temperatures can lead to shifts in the distribution and abundance of prey species. This can force sea lions to travel further and expend more energy to find food, potentially leading to malnutrition and decreased reproduction rates.

6. Disease: Warmer temperatures can also facilitate the spread of diseases and parasites that affect sea lions, potentially leading to increased mortality rates.

Each of these factors alone can pose a significant threat to the Western Australian Sea Lion population, but in combination, they can lead to a rapid and potentially irreversible decline.