Search results
The dugong (/ ˈ d (j) uː ɡ ɒ ŋ /; Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal.It is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees.It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller's sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas), was hunted to extinction in the 18th century.
- Dugongs Are Also Called Sea Cows. Dugongs have very muscular cleft upper lips that stick out over their mouths. These bristled and ultra-sensitive snouts are very strong and allow dugongs to root around the ocean floor and grab seagrass.
- They are Closely Related to Elephants. There were once other Dugongidae species like dugongs in the oceans, like the Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas).
- You Can Guess a Dugong’s Age by Looking at the Rings on Its Tusks. The tusks of a dugong are actually just two elongated front teeth. These stick out from their mouths and have sharp, angled edges.
- Dugongs Can Live for a Very Long Time. When dugong babies are born, they are only around 3 or 4 feet long and weigh 44 to 77 pounds. That may not seem all that small, but a fully grown dugong can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds!
Meet the sea cows that inhabit coastal waters and learn why dugong conservation is more important than ever.
Dugongs are cousins of manatees and share a similar plump appearance, but have a dolphin fluke-like tail. And unlike manatees, which use freshwater areas, the dugong is strictly a marine mammal. Commonly known as "sea cows," dugongs graze peacefully on sea grasses in shallow coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
Jul 12, 2024 · Dolphins and whales generally coexist peacefully with dugongs, often seen in the same habitats but rarely interacting directly. Dugongs don’t compete with them for food, as they primarily graze on seagrasses. Dugongs and Human Influence. Humans impact dugongs significantly. In some regions, dugongs have been historically hunted for their meat ...
Nov 15, 2024 · Conservation status. Dugongs are long-lived animals (up to 73 years). Predation by killer whales and sharks has been documented, and crocodiles may also prey on dugongs. In the past dugongs were widely and heavily hunted by humans for their meat, hides, and oil.
People also ask
Are dugongs a vulnerable species?
Are dugongs related to elephants?
Are Dugongs still alive?
Why are dugongs so difficult to hunt?
Are dugongs extinct?
Are dugongs related to manatees?
Dugongs are related to manatees and are similar in appearance and behavior— though the dugong's tail is fluked like a whale's. ... although the giant land animal is not at all similar in ...
