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- Family: Dugongidae Genus: Dugong Species: dugon
www.thoughtco.com/dugong-order-sirenia-2291929
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.
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.
Aug 21, 2020 · The dugong is a marine mammal that spends its time grazing on seagrass in shallow coastal waters. A close relative of manatees, it is the only remaining member of the Dugongidae family. Often dubbed 'sea cows', dugongs are the only marine mammal that eats virtually only plants.
- Shawn Laidlaw
- Sirenia
- Mammalia
- Chordata
Dugongs are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, where they live in highly endangered and nearly extinct populations. They are found from the east coast of Africa to Vanuatu and other islands of the western Pacific.
Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia, so named for the mammary glands akin to human breasts and their nursing behavior. Because of this, some sailors call dugongs mermaids or sirens, from which the name was created.
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.
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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.
