dugong
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classification
Mammals, Sirenia, Dugongidae, Genus Dugong (Dugong dugon)
habitat
Dugongs inhabit shallow coastal waters, typically in warm tropical and subtropical regions. They are often found in seagrass beds, which provide their primary food source.
body length
Dugongs can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length, with some exceptional individuals reported to reach lengths of 4 meters (13 feet).
body weight
Adult dugongs typically weigh between 230 to 400 kilograms (500 to 880 pounds), although some individuals can weigh as much as 900 kilograms (2000 pounds).
lifespan
Dugongs can live up to 70 years in the wild, although the average lifespan is around 50 years.
food habit
Dugongs are herbivorous and primarily feed on seagrasses. They use their strong, flipper-like forelimbs to uproot seagrass from the seabed and can consume large quantities daily.
habit
Dugongs are generally solitary or found in small groups. They are known to be gentle and slow-moving mammals, often grazing in shallow waters during the day and resting at the surface.
natural enemy
Dugongs have few natural predators, but they can be threatened by large sharks and killer whales. Human activities, such as hunting and habitat destruction, pose a greater threat to their populations.
bits of knowledge
Dugongs are the only herbivorous marine mammals and are closely related to manatees. They are often referred to as 'sea cows' due to their grazing habits. Dugongs play a critical role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds.