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Though they do travel long distances, Dugongs are not a migratory species. They are solitary creatures, though can be found in pairs. Despite their solitary nature, Dugongs constantly communicate with one another through a series of echoing chirps, whistles, and barks.
And why do Dugongs love to spend time in the seagrass beds? Why do Dugongs get the luxury of Legal protection? Here are some interesting 50 Dugong Fun Facts that you need to know! Dugongs are social creatures; however, typically, you may find them in pairs with their mother and calf.
Feb 20, 2020 · The waters off Qatar are home to the world’s second-largest population of dugongs, sea mammals that eat underwater grass. Usually, they like to move alone, or in a small group.
- 4 min
- Stefanie Dekker
- Dugong Profile
- Interesting Dugong Facts
- Dugong Fact-File Summary
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.
1. They once swam through Egypt
According to recent findings, dugongs inhabited waters that flowed over present-day Egypt approximately 40 million years ago. Their ancestors were likely semi-aquatic. 1
2. 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).
3. 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. Most graze all day. They are also sometimes called ‘sea pigs’ and ‘sea camels’.
Scientific Classification
1. Geggel, Laura. “Adorable ancient sea cows once swam through now bone-dry Egyptian desert”. Live Science. 2020. 2. Leela Rajamani, Annabel S. Cabanban, and Ridzwan Abdul Rahman “Indigenous Use and Trade of Dugong (Dugong dugon) in Sabah, Malaysia,” AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment 35(5), 266-268, (1 August 2006). 3. Marsh, Helene. “Chapter 57: Dugongidae”. Fauna of Australia: Vol. 1B Mammalia. CSIRO. ISBN 978-0-644-06056-1. 4. “Dugong”. National Geographic.
- Shallow warm coastal waters
- Mainly in Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean
- Up to 70 years
- 8 to 10 feet
Grazing day and night on the aquatic version of lawn, this ocean dweller is a true mixture of all things great and small, and Australia is lucky enough to host the largest number of dugongs in the world. Tipping the scales at an impressive 400kg, the dugong is a cousin of the manatee.
- Dugong
- Dugong dugon
- Herbivore, feeding exclusively on seagrasses
- Mammal
Large numbers often move together from one area to another. It is thought that these movements are caused by changes in seagrass availability. Their memory allows them to return to specific points after long travels. [ 18 ]
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Feb 27, 2024 · But here’s the cool part: despite their bulk, Dugongs move through the water with the grace of a ballerina. They’re a testament to the fact that you can be both chunky and graceful—a lesson in body positivity from the sea.
