Non-essential heavy metals and protective effects of selenium against mercury toxicity in endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) pups with hookworm disease

Graph displaying molar ratios for selenium:mercury (Se:Hg) in six pinniped species including N. cinerea, E. jubatus (Lian et al., 2020), L. weddellii (Gray et al., 2008), A. forsteri (unpub data), A. p. doriferus (unpub data) and H. leptonyx (Gray et al., 2008). Species displayed along the linear curve include pups and adults. The graphical insert displays the relationship between Se, Hg and the Se:Hg ratio (y axis) against estimated pup age (x axis). The red vertical lines denote the age of peak effect of patent hookworm infection (28 days) and the period of natural hookworm elimination (60–90 days).