How many dugongs are left?

How many dugongs are left?

Dugongs once thrived among the Chagos Archipelago and Sea Cow Island was named after the species, although the species no longer occurs in the region. There are less than 250 individuals scattered throughout Indian waters.

Where are dugongs found?

These large creatures are found in warm water around coastlines, both north and south of the equator. They inhabit both freshwater and brackish water, where seagrass beds can be found. Australia hosts the largest number of Dugongs, with the Reef providing an important feeding ground.

Why are dugongs going extinct?

Dugongs are threatened by sea grass habitat loss or degradation because of coastal development or industrial activities that cause water pollution. ... This makes the conservation of their shallow water marine habitat very important. They also often become victims of bycatch, the accidental entanglement in fishing nets.

Is a dugong the same as a manatee?

Dugongs (Dugong dugong) are closely related to manatees and are the fourth species under the order sirenia. Unlike manatees, dugongs have a fluked tail, similar to a whale's, and a large snout with an upper lip that protrudes over their mouth and bristles instead of whiskers.

Do sharks eat dugongs?

The dugong, like all sea cows, is herbivorous. ... Adult dugongs do not have any natural predators, but juveniles may be eaten by saltwater crocodiles, killer whales, and large, coastal sharks.

What is being done to protect dugongs?

Whether in protection areas or not, take care to avoid injuring or distressing dugongs. Protect habitat: Avoid damaging seagrass an don't drag boats over seagrass meadows. Take action to prevent pollutants, nutrients and herbicides from agriculture and other land-based activities flowing into creeks and rivers.

Do tiger sharks eat dugongs?

Combined with poor eyesight, their languid lifestyle makes dugongs relatively easy prey for tiger sharks, who are famously unfussy eaters. Across their range, these fearsome predators have been found with all sorts of tasty prey in their stomachs, from fish and crustaceans to turtles and sea snakes.

What would happen if dugongs went extinct?

Abu Dhabi If dugongs become extinct, the impact will not be limited merely to the fact that future generations will not get to see the marine mammal — their absence will almost surely have an impact on the availability of sea fish, the staple diet of millions of people across the world.

Do dugongs live in the Great Barrier Reef?

Dugong inhabit shallow, tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. ... The Great Barrier Reef region supports globally significant populations of dugong. This being one of the reasons the area was given World Heritage status.

What is the current population of dugongs?

He estimates the number of dugongs as 5,000 in the east coast of Australia, 6,000 for the Torres Strait and York Peninsula area, and 7,000 in Melanesia. This lead to the total of 18,000 in population 1.