Common Sealsnake

The common sealsnakes (Neoplesiosauridae) are a family of marine reptiles closely related to the greater sealsnakes (Elasmosauridae). The common sealsnakes evolved from a group of Elasmosaurids that took a more basal body design similar to the Jurassic Plesiosaurs, due to the absence of some extinct marine predators such as Xiphactinus, replacing them over time. The common sealsnakes are either piscivorous or highly carnivorous, feeding on mollusks, crustaceans, cephalopods, fish, small sea turtles, birds (rarely), birbats (rarely), and/or carrion. They range from about the size of a small dolphin to about the size of a minivan, depending on a species. Many species of common sealsnakes are listed as Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and/or due to adapting to tolerate climate changes and/or man-made pollution, but some species are listed as Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, or (as of 2 species) Extinct due to humans hunting sealsnakes or due to pollutions, however, conservationists are trying to protect all known still-living species.