Dugong Basics and Habitat
Dugongs, scientifically known as Dugong dugon, are a distinct species of marine mammal well adapted to their habitat in coastal waters, where they fulfill their herbivorous diet by consuming seagrass.
Dugong Identification
The dugong, also referred to as Dugong dugon, is a marine mammal closely related to manatees and is the sole remaining member of the family Dugongidae.
Adult dugongs typically range in length from about 2.2 to 3.4 metres and weigh between 230 to 420 kg.
Their bodies are large, torpedo-shaped, and usually a slate gray color.
Unlike other marine mammals, their flippers are not used for propulsion; instead, they have a powerful tail that allows them to swim.
The dugong’s snout is uniquely designed with a cleft upper lip to assist in foraging for seagrasses, their primary food source.
They can be identified by the sparse hair covering their body and the bristles on their muzzle Facts about dugongs.
Natural Habitats
Dugongs are typically found in shallow, warm coastal waters in areas ranging from the east coast of Africa to Australia, including the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Red Sea Dugong habitats.
They prefer waters where seagrass meadows are abundant, as these constitute their sole food source.
The distribution of dugongs is highly dependent on the availability of these seagrass habitats.
Due to their need for vast amounts of seagrass, these animals tend to reside in areas where they can graze continuously.
Although fully aquatic, dugongs must surface to breathe air, usually inhabiting waters so shallow that their backs can sometimes be seen above the waterline More on dugongs.
Dugong Conservation and Threats
Dugong populations are under serious threat from human activities, leading to significant conservation efforts across their habitats, especially in regions like Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Understanding the nature of these threats and the measures being taken is crucial for the species’ survival.
Threats to Dugongs
Dugongs, which are often referred to as “sea cows” due to their grazing behavior on seagrasses, are facing multiple threats that are pushing them towards vulnerability and possibly extinction.
One of the foremost threats is habitat degradation, as dugongs depend on seagrass meadows that are sensitive to water quality and climate change.
These habitats, particularly around the Great Barrier Reef, are being destroyed by coastal development and pollution.
Another severe threat is hunting, which is still prevalent in some cultures for traditional purposes.
Moreover, the accidental entanglement in fishing nets poses a lethal hazard to these gentle creatures, leading to injuries or death.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed dugongs on the Red List of Threatened Species, indicating their precarious status.
The presence of dugongs is also documented in other areas, including parts of Africa and India, where similar threats exist.
Efforts in Conservation
To combat the decline of dugong populations, various conservation programs have been implemented.
Specifically, in Australia, the dugong has been a catalyst for marine protected areas and legislation aimed at reducing boat strikes and entanglement risks.
UNESCO’s involvement has helped raise awareness and support for these efforts given the Great Barrier Reef‘s status as a World Heritage site.
In Africa and India, community-driven conservation initiatives aim to reconcile dugong protection with local fishing practices.
Efforts in these places involve creating alternative livelihoods to reduce the dependency on dugong hunting.
Transnational conservation collaborations, such as those coordinated by the Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project, play a crucial role in ensuring a cooperative approach, considering the dugong migratory patterns that cross national boundaries.