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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.
The dugong (Dugong dugon) is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees.
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.
- Shallow warm coastal waters
- Mainly in Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
- Up to 70 years
- 8 to 10 feet
- They once swam through Egypt. According to recent findings, dugongs inhabited waters that flowed over present-day Egypt approximately 40 million years ago.
- 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).
- 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.
- They are more closely related to elephants than whales. Protein analyses of dugong eye lenses suggest they share a common ancestor with hyraxes and elephants.
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.
Dugong dugon, also known as the dugong or sea cow, is a fascinating marine mammal found in the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. With its unique appearance and gentle nature, the dugong is a beloved member of the world's wildlife community.
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Dugongs are unique sea creatures that belong to the order Sirenia. They’re often called sea cows due to their plant-eating habits. Despite living in the water, dugongs are more closely related to land animals than other marine mammals.
