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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.
- 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...
In certain parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, dugong tusks are consumed for supposed aphrodisiac properties. 2. 7. The dugong matures later than most other marine mammals. It can take eight to eighteen years for a dugong to reach full sexual maturity. This is relatively longer than other marine mammals, such as whales. 8.
- Shallow warm coastal waters
- Mainly in Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
- Up to 70 years
- 8 to 10 feet
Dugongs are primarily herbivorous, grazing on up to 30kg of seagrass a day. They eat both day and night, locating their food with the help of coarse, sensitive bristles on their upper lip. These large creatures are found in warm water around coastlines, both north and south of the equator. They inhabit both freshwater and brackish water, where ...
The dugong is the only sirenian that is strictly marine, inhabiting only ocean environments, whereas other sirenians like manatees can also be found in freshwater. Dugongs are distinguished from their closest relatives, the manatees, by their fluked, dolphin-like tail and unique skull and mouth structure adapted for bottom-feeding in shallow waters.
- Mammalia (Mammals)
- Chordata
- Sirenia
Apr 5, 2024 · The dugong is the only exclusively marine mammal that is herbivorous. It grazes on sea grasses day and night, spending most of its life in sea beds. The dugong’s brain is very small compared to its body size, weighing a maximum of about 11 oz, about 0.1% of the animal's body weight. The disparity is likely because the dugong does not have to ...
People also ask
How do dugongs differ from other marine mammals?
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Is a dugong a sea cow?
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Are dugongs related to elephants?
Jul 12, 2024 · These fascinating creatures, often mistaken for manatees due to their plump bodies, have a dolphin-like tail and live exclusively in marine environments. Dugongs can live for over 70 years and are capable of holding their breath for up to 11 minutes while diving deep to feed. Despite their impressive abilities, dugongs face numerous threats.
