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The current global population of dugongs is in decline due to human interactions with the species. The dugong’s closest modern relative, Stellar’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas), was hunted to extinction in the 18th century, and without proper protections, dugongs could face the same fate.
6 days ago · Dugong, marine mammal that inhabits the warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, feeds on seagrasses, and is similar to the American manatee.
Despite being legally protected in many countries, the main causes of population decline remain anthropogenic and include fishing-related fatalities, habitat degradation, and hunting. With its long lifespan of 70 years or more and slow rate of reproduction, the dugong is especially vulnerable to extinction.
Feb 27, 2024 · Dugongs are the globetrotters of the Sirenia world, hanging out in the warmer waters of the Indo-Pacific. 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.
Aug 25, 2021 · A close relative of the manatee found in the Indo-Pacific, dugongs are a hit for tourists and an important part of coastal marine ecosystems. But between climate change, harmful fishing...
They live in the ocean but sometimes might find themselves moving up into the land, especially in areas where there is brackish water, a mixture of salt and freshwater. Since they live close to the shore, dugongs can run into trouble with larger boats and other shore activities.
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Dugongs are seagrass community specialists and their range is broadly coincident with the distribution of seagrasses in the tropical and sub-tropical Indo-West Pacific. Dugongs occur in over 40 countries in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean and are able to move into different home ranges, travelling hundreds of kilometers in a few days.
