Uncovering the faecal virome of New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri) reveals virus sharing among geographically distinct pinnipeds.

The New Zealand sea lion (pakake; Phocarctos hookeri) is the largest and only endemic otariid species in Aotearoa (New Zealand), classified as 'nationally critical' due to low population numbers and limited distribution. Infectious disease is a significant factor contributing to sea lion population instability; however, we know almost nothing about viral organisms harboured by these species. To this end, we conducted a metatranscriptomic analysis of faecal samples from healthy New Zealand sea lions collected along the Otago coastline over twelve months.