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Evolution. 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.
May 27, 2024 · The dugong is one of the few herbivorous marine mammals still remaining in the world and is called the sea cow or the sea pig.
- Female
- April 22, 1960
No other species resemble Dugongs in their Indo-Pacific range. Dugongs may be confused with small cetaceans, particularly Finless Porpoises and Irrawaddy Dolphins; however their lack of a dorsal fin and the location of their nostrils at the tip of the snout are distinguishing characteristics.
- (Müller, 1776)
- 180.7K
- Dugong dugon
6 days ago · Dugongs are long-lived animals (up to 73 years). Predation by killer whales and sharks has been documented, and crocodiles may also prey on dugongs. In the past dugongs were widely and heavily hunted by humans for their meat, hides, and oil.
Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing. Fun Facts for Kids The dugong is the only sirenian in its range, which spans the waters of some 40 countries and territories throughout the Indo-West Pacific.
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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Nov 10, 2009 · Order: Sirenia. Family: Dugongidae. Genus: Dugong. Species: dugon. Habitat and Distribution. Dugongs live in warm, coastal waters from East Africa to Australia. Feeding. Dugongs are primarily herbivores, eating seagrasses and algae. Crabs have also been found in the stomachs of some dugongs.
