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Nov 3, 2017 · In today’s diary, the spotlight is on Dugong - which is also known as the sea cow despite it doesn't look like a cow! Watch the video to find out why! Want to learn more about the Dugong we...
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- Dugong Fact-File Summary
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.
1. They once swam through Egypt
According to recent findings, dugongs inhabited waters that flowed over present-day Egypt approximately 40 million years ago. Their ancestors were likely semi-aquatic. 1
2. They belong to the same order as manatees
Unlike the manatee, dugongs live exclusively in marine habits. One can quickly distinguish the two based on their tails—manatees possess paddle-shaped tails while the dugong’s is dolphin-like (fluked).
3. Dugongs have been nicknamed “sea cows”
Known to graze on sparse seagrass patches, dugongs are often called “sea cows”. They prefer grass that is high in nitrogen content and low in fiber, making it easier to break down. Most graze all day. They are also sometimes called ‘sea pigs’ and ‘sea camels’.
Scientific Classification
1. Geggel, Laura. “Adorable ancient sea cows once swam through now bone-dry Egyptian desert”. Live Science. 2020. 2. Leela Rajamani, Annabel S. Cabanban, and Ridzwan Abdul Rahman “Indigenous Use and Trade of Dugong (Dugong dugon) in Sabah, Malaysia,” AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment 35(5), 266-268, (1 August 2006). 3. Marsh, Helene. “Chapter 57: Dugongidae”. Fauna of Australia: Vol. 1B Mammalia. CSIRO. ISBN 978-0-644-06056-1. 4. “Dugong”. National Geographic.
What are Dugongs? Why do people refer to them as sea cows? And why do Dugongs love to spend time in the seagrass beds? Why do Dugongs get the luxury of Legal protection? Here are some interesting 50 Dugong Fun Facts that you need to know! Dugongs are social creatures; however, typically, you may find them in pairs with their mother and calf.
Jul 14, 2023 · Dugongs are gentle sea creatures with a unique appearance, long lifespan, and vital role in maintaining the balance of seagrass ecosystems. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect their populations and ensure their survival. Dugongs, also known as “sea cows,” are herbivorous marine mammals found in warm coastal waters.
- 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!
Sep 8, 2024 · The dugong, Dugong dugon, is a large mammal that lives its whole life in the sea. They are sometimes called "sea cows" as they eat large amounts of sea grass. They live in warm, shallow areas where the sea grass grows.
People also ask
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Dive into the mysterious world of dugongs, the gentle giants of the sea that have captivated marine enthusiasts for centuries. Often called "sea cows," these unique marine mammals are a treasure trove of fascinating characteristics and behaviors.
