Dugong

Related Topics:
Dugong

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are the smallest members of the order Sirenia (which also includes the manatees and Steller's Sea Cow). Adults are generally less than 3 meters long. The name Dugong originated from the Malay language duyung meaning lady of the sea or mermaid. Dugongs can grow to 3m in length. They inhabit shallow waters in the Indo-Pacific, and feed on sea grass. They also have a long life span and slow breeding rate, which results in being susceptible to threats.

Distribution

Although they once covered all of the tropical South Pacific and Indian Oceans, remaining populations are greatly reduced. Groups of 10,000 or more are present on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, at Shark Bay, and in Torres Strait south of New Guinea. Before 1970, it is thought that large populations were also present in Mozambique and coastal Kenya, but these have dwindled. Palau also has a small population. On January 22, 2003, after 70 years, an individual was found (weight 300 kg, length 2 m) off the coast of Tanzania.

A small number of dugongs are also found in the Straits of Johor, (which separates Johor in Malaysia and Singapore) and in the Philippine provinces of Palawan, Romblon, Guimaras, and Davao Oriental.

Feeding

Dugongs are particular about their diets, with certain 'fields' of sea-grass cropped. Dugongs are referred to as 'sea cows' because of their diet eating sea-grass.

Migration

During winter, only a few packs of the Dugongs move to warmer waters.

Dangers

The US and Japanese government want to build a new base on a coral reef close to Henoko, in Nago prefecture, Okinawa. But the plan generated strong protests from Okinawans who are concerned that the local environment, home to the rare dugong sea creature, would be ruined.

References

Database entry includes a lengthy justification of why this species is vulnerable

External links