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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.
Interesting Facts About the Dugong. 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. A Truly Marine Mammal – Dugongs are the only species in the order Sirenia (dugongs and manatees) that lives in an exclusively marine environment.
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. They share many physical characteristics with ...
1. Dugongs grow to a maximum length of 13 feet (4 m) long and weight of 595 pounds (270 kg). 2. Dugongs can live up to 70 years. 3. Dugongs are referred to as sea cows because they use their strong, cleft upper lips to graze on sea grasses they uproot from the seafloor. 4. Dugongs are sirenians and therefore related to manatees.
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are a protected species of large marine mammals that resemble manatees. Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia of placental mammals. They have robust, torpedo-shaped bodies covered in tough, wrinkled, and sparsely-haired skin. Surprisingly, the elephant is the closest relative to both dugongs and other members of the sea cow ...
Jul 12, 2024 · Dugongs are marine mammals found in warm coastal waters. They’re closely tied to seagrass habitats, which are critical for their feeding and survival. Geographic Range. Dugongs primarily inhabit the coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean. The largest populations are in Australia, particularly around the Great Barrier ...
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Feb 27, 2024 · Manatees, on the other hand, are the homebodies, sticking to the Atlantic Ocean and its adjoining rivers and estuaries. Then there’s the tail tale. Dugongs sport a dolphin-like, fluked tail, while manatees have a rounded, paddle-shaped tail. It’s like comparing a sleek sports car to a comfy sedan—both cool, but in different ways.
