What kind of animal is a dugong? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The dugong is a mammal distributed in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean, and this species is the only member of the dugong family. However, despite their vast habitat, their numbers are very small and they are in a critical situation.
What is a dugong? About basic status
Dugongs are mammals classified in the genus Dugong, family Dugongidae, order Dugongales. English is Dugong, scientific name is Dugong dugon. The body length is 3 meters and the weight is 450 kg. The list of information is as follows. Dugongs are also said to be “model mermaids”. Even in Pokemon, there is a monster called Dugong.
| Japanese（和名） | ジュゴン |
| English（英名） | Dugong |
| scientific name(学名) | Dugong dugon |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Sirenia、 Dugongidae、Dugong 哺乳綱、ジュゴン目、ジュゴン科、ジュゴン属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 3m |
| Weight（体重） | 450kg |
About classification
The dugong is a mammal distributed in the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific Ocean, and this species is the only member of the dugong family.
About habitat
Dugongs can be seen in tropical oceans such as the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, Australia, and the Red Sea. They can also be seen in the Philippines and around Okinawa in Japan. According to the documents, they are Sirenia and live in the natural ocean, so it is difficult to see them. Let’s take a look at some photos from the facility.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The dugong has a spindle-shaped body with a very thick upper lip and a flat, rounded tip. The ear holes are small, and so are the eyes. The forelimbs are fin-like and have no claws, and the hind limbs are degenerated. Hair grows sparsely all over the body, and the body color is gray, brown, or bluish gray. Dugongs live in areas with coral reefs and can dive to depths of more than 35 meters.
What is your personality like?
Dugongs have a very docile personality. However, they are also very nervous animals, and have exceptionally good hearing, allowing them to detect predators. Their activity times vary greatly depending on the time of day. They often dive in the subtropical coastal waters to search for food.
What is the ecology like?
Dugongs are herbivorous and subsist mainly on seaweed such as eelgrass. There is no fixed breeding season, and the gestation period is 13 months. They can give birth to one cub at a time. Both males and females reach sexual maturity as early as 6 years. They have a very long lifespan, with some living for over 50 years, and some can live up to 70 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Dugongs’ natural enemy is sharks. Killer whales are also very large prey. Looking at a lot of research and survey data, there is a possibility of extinction because there is no defense against these things.
Is the dugong an endangered species?
Dugongs are designated as an endangered species (red list). Their meat is edible and considered very delicious, leading to overfishing. Furthermore, marine pollution and the resulting decline in seaweed, which serves as their food, have also dealt a major blow. In Japan, they were designated as a national natural monument in 1972, and since 2003, the Wildlife Protection Act has prohibited their capture and killing, in principle. Dugongs are also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. In the ocean, efforts are underway to conserve wild sea cows.
Can dugongs be kept as pets?
Dugongs live in very harsh conditions, and due to the effects of development in society, it is extremely difficult to keep them in captivity. We recommend viewing them at aquariums. In recent years, there have been reports of them being seen in the wild along coastlines, so you can see them swimming along the coastal areas of the ocean with manatees and other creatures.
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