Dudong

The Dudong ( Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal belonging to the family Dugongidae and is one of only four extant species of the order Sirenia, the others being the manatees. It is the only living representative of its genus.

Dugongs are found in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, primarily in sheltered bays, wide shallow estuaries, mangrove channels, and in the lee of large inshore islands. They are herbivores and primarily feed on seagrass.

Dugongs are characterized by their large size, cylindrical bodies, paddle-like flippers, and a broad, flat tail. They have a down-turned snout used to graze on seagrass. Adults can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weigh up to 400 kilograms (880 pounds).

Dugongs are long-lived animals, with a lifespan of up to 70 years or more. They typically breed slowly, with females giving birth to a single calf every few years.

The dugong is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Major threats to dugong populations include habitat loss and degradation due to coastal development, entanglement in fishing gear, boat strikes, and hunting in some regions. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting seagrass beds, reducing fishing gear entanglement, and establishing marine protected areas.