The Dugong - Gentle Giant of the River

The Dugong is an aquatic mammal that lives in the sea, usually in shallow areas such as channels, bays, etc. Dugongs can be found in many regions around the world. The largest population of about 85,000 can be found in Australia.

The Scientific name for the Dugong is Dugong dugon. Dugongs belong to the family Sirenia. This family of aquatic mammals also includes the manatee and the Stellar Sea Cow which was hunted to extinction in the 18th Century.

Dugongs can grow to nearly 11 feet in length and an adult dugong may weigh nearly 400 kilograms. The Females are usually larger than the males. Dugongs feed on sea grass which grows on the seabed. Because of this, they are sometimes referred to as “sea cows”. The forelimbs of the dugongs are shaped like paddles. The dugong does not have hind limbs. Instead, it has a dolphin-like tail which helps the dugong in moving forward. Using these paddle-shaped front limbs, the dugongs moves along the seabed in search of sea grass.

Dugongs are solitary animals and are usually seen alone. Sometimes, a mother can be seen with her calf. Calves are born after a pregnancy that lasts for 12 to 14 months. The bond between the mother and her calf is extremely strong. Calves stay with their mothers for many years before moving out on their own. Male Dugongs start to grow tusks between 12-15 years of age.

However today, these gentle creatures are threatened by destruction of their habitat, hunting and pollution. In many areas, hunting has greatly reduced the dugong population. The dugong is protected by laws in many countries. Dugongs have few natural enemies such as sharks, crocodiles and killer whales. They have been known to live upto 70 years in stable protected environments.