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- No, they are sometimes described as vulnerable or threatened. Other times, organizations or individuals have classified them as near extinction. Throughout history, they have been hunted by human beings.
oceaninfo.com/animals/dugong/
Dugongs are part of the Sirenia order of placental mammals which comprises modern "sea cows" (manatees as well as dugongs) and their extinct relatives. Sirenia are the only extant herbivorous marine mammals and the only group of herbivorous mammals to have become completely aquatic.
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 a herbivorous marine mammal sometimes referred to as a ‘sea cow’, and one of four living species that belongs to the order Sirenia. They graze on underwater grasses and have an adorable, plump appearance, with a dolphin tail, round head and downward snout. Dugong Facts Overview.
- Shallow warm coastal waters
- Mainly in Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
- Up to 70 years
- 8 to 10 feet
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.
Dugongs, often affectionately referred to as “sea cows,” are large marine mammals known for their gentle demeanor and distinctive body shape. These creatures, closely related to manatees, have intrigued humans for centuries, sometimes even being mistaken for mythical mermaids.
- Mammalia (Mammals)
- Chordata
- Sirenia
Dugongs are slow-moving vegetarian mammals of the Sirenia order, which also contains the world’s three species of manatee. The dugong’s closest relative was the Steller’s sea cow but that was hunted to extinction in the 1700s.
Unlike their mostly freshwater cousins, manatees, dugongs are primarily marine mammals. Dugongs generally inhabit shallow waters, remaining at depths of around 10 m, although they occasionally dive to depths of 39 m to feed.
