Dugong
A gentle marine mammal
About Dugong
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | Up to 1000 kg |
| Size | Up to 3 meters |
| Speed | 5 to 10 km/h |
| Lifespan | Up to 70 years |
| Foods | Seagrasses and aquatic plants |
| Predators | Humans (historically) |
| Family | Dugongidae |
| Scientific name | Dugong dugon |
| Numbers left | Estimated few thousand |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
| Habitat | Coastal waters and estuaries |
Fun Facts about Dugong
Dugongs are marine mammals closely related to manatees. They both belong to the order Sirenia.
Dugongs are herbivores that mainly feed on seagrasses. They use their specialized upper lip to grasp and consume seagrass.
Dugongs may not be the fastest swimmers, but they are agile and can make impressive turns and movements in the water.
Dugongs have a unique tail fluke, which is fluked and notched, similar to that of a whale's tail.
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