Dugong
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Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are the smallest members of the order Sirenia (which also includes the manatees and Steller's Sea Cow). Adults are generally less than 3 meters long. The name Dugong originated from the Malay language duyung meaning lady of the sea or mermaid. Dugongs can grow to 3m in length. They inhabit shallow waters in the Indo-Pacific, and feed on sea grass. They also have a long life span and slow breeding rate, which results in being susceptible to threats.
Distribution
Although they once covered all of the tropical South Pacific and Indian Oceans, remaining populations are greatly reduced. Groups of 10,000 or more are present on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, at Shark Bay, and in Torres Strait south of New Guinea. Before 1970, it is thought that large populations were also present in Mozambique and coastal Kenya, but these have dwindled. Palau also has a small population. On January 22, 2003, after 70 years, an individual was found (weight 300 kg, length 2 m) off the coast of Tanzania.
Moreton Bay, a large bay on the eastern coast of Australia, is one of many homes to the Dugong because it contains clean and clear water at the appropriate depth ranges and suitable food. Access to the sea for warmth is possible, although strong tidal currents affect the exact times and durations of each visit, the dugong return to the bay for protection from large sharks. This area is very important to the future of the Dugong, it is a 200km stretch of high density human habitation, and recreation, with ease of access to study and learn how to best protect the remaining herds. The images show typical dugong habitat and travel paths.
A small number of dugongs are also found in the Straits of Johor, (which separates Johor in Malaysia and Singapore) and in the Philippine provinces of Palawan, Romblon, Guimaras, and Davao Oriental.
Feeding
Dugongs are particular about their diets, with certain 'fields' of sea-grass cropped. Dugongs are referred to as 'sea cows' because of their diet eating sea-grass.Migration
During winter, only a few packs of the Dugongs move to warmer waters.Dangers
The US and Japanese government want to build a new base on a coral reef close to Henoko, in Nago prefecture, Okinawa. But the plan generated strong protests from Okinawans who are concerned that the local environment, home to the rare dugong sea creature, would be ruined.References
- Marsh (2006). [Dugong dugon]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes a lengthy justification of why this species is vulnerable
External links
- [images and movies of the dugong (Dugong dugon)]
- [Roberto Sozzani's Encounter with Dugongs]
- [UNEP Dugong Action Plan]
- [Sirenian International]
- [underwater encounter with a dugon]
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