Mammal
Dugong
Dugong dugonAlso known as Sea Cow
Dugongs are large gray marine mammals with downturned bristled muzzles and whale-like tail flukes. They graze seagrass meadows across shallow tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, often leaving winding feeding trails in the seabed.
seagrass grazermarine herbivorefluked tail
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPrimarily seagrass leaves and rhizomes, with occasional algae and small invertebrates taken incidentally
Predators
- tiger sharks
- killer whales
- saltwater crocodiles
ThreatsGill-net entanglement, boat strikes, hunting, seagrass loss, coastal development, and severe storms
HabitatsShallow bays, sheltered channels, coastal lagoons, and broad seagrass meadows
Life spanMay live for more than 60 years, with slow growth and long intervals between calves
Classification
- OrderSirenia
- FamilyDugongidae
- GenusDugong
- SpeciesDugong dugon
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Boats and swimmers should yield space so a dugong can surface, feed, and leave without being pursued.
- What to notice
- Confirm a broad gray body without a dorsal fin, a downturned muzzle, and a deeply notched tail fluke.
- Support conservation
- Never chase, surround, touch, or feed a dugong; report entanglement or injury to trained marine responders.
Responsible observation
- Observe: Remain still at a generous distance and let the animal choose whether to pass nearby.
- Navigate: Slow vessels over seagrass beds and maintain a dedicated lookout for surfacing animals.
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