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The dugong (/ ˈd (j) uːɡɒŋ /; Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal. It is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees.
- Description of The Dugong
- Interesting Facts About The Dugong
- Habitat of The Dugong
- Distribution of The Dugong
- Diet of The Dugong
- Dugong and Human Interaction
- Dugong Care
- Behavior of The Dugong
- Reproduction of The Dugong
- Beliefs, Superstitions, and Phobias About The Dugong – The “Siren”
The dugong is a gray/brown marine mammal with a torpedo-shaped body. They are considerably more streamlined in appearance than their rather rotund relative, the manatee. Dugongs also differ from their manatee cousins in the shape of their tails. While manatees have large, rounded tails, dugongs have almost triangular shaped fins (similar to a dolph...
Dugongs differ from their closest living relative, the manatee, in a number of ways. These unique characteristics set dugongs apart from many other marine mammals. 1. A Truly Marine Mammal– Dugongs are the only species in the order Sirenia (dugongs and manatees) that lives in an exclusively marine environment. Manatees are mainly freshwater animals...
Dugongs prefer warm, shallow waters near the coast. Though they have been found in deeper waters, dugongs’ food source (sea grass) thrives in shallow water with plenty of sunlight. Dugongs also prefer feeding in protected bays.
Dugongs are found in a number of locations near the equator. Populations of dugongs can be found in the waters surrounding East Africa, South Asia, and Australia. The largest population of dugongs can be found off the coast of Australia, from Western Australia to Queensland.
Dugongs feed on a wide variety of sea grass species, and will occasionally eat algae and jellyfish. Populations in different locations will feed on different species of sea grass.
Historically, dugongs and manatees have made an easy target for hunters, as they are relatively slow moving. In recent years, dugongs have become popular in ecotourism, and tourists pay to swim with the dugongs, or to view the animals from boats.
Few dugongs are kept in human care, and knowledge of their needs is sparse. Because sea grass is impractical to grow for feeding, animals in aquariums are generally fed lettuce. This diet has worked well for manatees in the United States.
Dugongs tend to remain solitary or in small groups, but have been seen in large numbers for breeding. They travel along shallow coasts feeding on sea grass, and can feed for up to six minutes at a time before surfacing to breathe. Because they live in shallow waters, dugongs have been known to stand on their tails when surfacing for air.
Dugongs in different populations have different breeding behavior. In some populations, a male will guard a territory from other males, and females will come to him to breed. In other populations, male dugongs will battle for breeding rights over a female. Dugongs have a 13-15 month gestation, and give birth to a single calf. They generally move to...
It is common legend that sailors would mistake manatees for mermaids at sea. This is actually where the manatee and dugong family Sirenia got its name! Sirenia is derived from the Greek word “siren,” referring to Greek mythology. It is believed that dugongs, rather than manatees, were the source of these legends. Because dugongs are the only solely...
6 days ago · dugong, (Dugong dugon), marine mammal that inhabits the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, feeds on seagrasses, and is similar to the manatee.
Jan 1, 2018 · Growing to a length of a little over 3 m, the dugong is the only extant plant-eating mammal that spends all its life in the sea and the tidal reaches of rivers. The other sea cows (or sirenians), the three species of manatee, all use fresh water to varying degrees ( Marsh et al., 2011 ).
- Helene Marsh
- 2009
Dugongs are large marine mammals often called sea cows due to their herbivorous diet and slow, gentle nature. They are related to both manatees and—surprisingly—elephants. They live in warm coastal waters from East Africa to Australia, grazing on underwater grasses as their main food source.
The dugong is an aquatic mammal with thick, tough, and smooth skin. The skin color of newborn dugongs is pale cream, darkening as they age, becoming deep slate gray on the sides and dorsum. The body of the dugong is sparsely covered with hair, and the muzzle exhibits bristles.
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How do dugongs differ from other marine mammals?
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Jul 12, 2024 · Dugongs are unique marine mammals known for their exclusive plant-based diet and distinct physical features. They share a close relationship with manatees and are the only surviving member of their family. Physical Characteristics. Dugongs are easily identifiable by their large, elongated bodies.
