Dugong

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large marine mammal found in warm coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific oceans.

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large marine mammal found in warm coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific oceans. It is the only living member of the family Dugongidae and feeds mainly on seagrass, which is why it is often called a sea cow. The species is closely related to manatees and, more distantly, to elephants and hyraxes.

Taxonomy and classification

Dugongs are sirenians, a group of marine mammals that also includes manatees. The dugong is the only living species in the family Dugongidae and is scientifically known as Dugong dugon.

Physical characteristics

Dugongs are large, slow-moving marine mammals with a fluke-like tail and flippers. Sources describe adults as reaching about 3 metres in length and up to roughly 400 to 500 kilograms.

Diet and behaviour

Dugongs feed primarily on seagrass and are adapted for grazing in shallow coastal habitats. They are often described as sea cows because of their plant-based diet and gentle feeding behaviour.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in warm coastal waters across the Indo-West Pacific, including the Red Sea, parts of East Africa, the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. It is most associated with areas that have extensive seagrass meadows.

Conservation

Dugongs are considered Vulnerable because populations are pressured by coastal development, pollution, climate change, seagrass loss, fishing impacts, and collisions with boats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitat and reducing human-caused mortality.