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Dugong: The “Mermaid” of the Ocean

1. Introduction

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal that inhabits warm, shallow coastal waters. It belongs to the Dugongidae family and is the only living member of this group. Due to its thick upper lip and graceful swimming movements, people once mistook it for the mythical “mermaid,” earning it the nickname “sea cow” or “the original mermaid.”

2. Physical Characteristics

Dugongs have a fusiform (spindle-shaped) body, typically measuring 2.5 to 3 meters in length and weighing between 300 and 500 kilograms. Their skin is thick and smooth, usually gray or grayish-brown, with a darker back and a slightly lighter belly. Unlike some marine mammals, dugongs lack a dorsal fin. Their forelimbs have evolved into flippers, and they possess a horizontally flattened tail similar to that of whales, which helps them glide smoothly through the water.

3. Behavior and Diet

Dugongs are herbivorous and primarily feed on seagrass, making them one of the few strictly plant-eating marine mammals. They are generally solitary or move in small groups. While they can be active both day and night, they tend to forage most actively at dawn and dusk. Since their diet depends entirely on seagrass, their survival is closely tied to the health of seagrass ecosystems.

4. Distribution and Habitat

Dugongs are found in the warm tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the coasts of East Africa, the Red Sea, India, Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and New Guinea. They prefer shallow coastal waters with abundant seagrass beds, such as areas near coral reefs, lagoons, and mangrove forests.

5. Reproduction and Lifespan

Dugongs have a slow reproductive rate. Females typically reach sexual maturity between 5 and 10 years of age and give birth only once every 3 to 7 years, usually to a single calf. The young are nursed for up to a year and may stay with their mother for several years. Dugongs have a long lifespan, often living for over 70 years.

6. Conservation Status

Dugong populations are declining due to habitat destruction, fishing activities (such as accidental bycatch and entanglement in fishing nets), marine pollution, and illegal hunting. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the dugong as a “Vulnerable” species, and it is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), providing it with strong legal protection. Many countries have implemented conservation measures, such as establishing marine protected areas and restricting fishing activities, to protect this species.

7. Cultural Significance

In some coastal cultures, dugongs are considered mystical creatures and are often linked to mermaid legends. In Australian Indigenous traditions, dugongs are regarded as sacred animals and symbolize the ocean’s bounty. In modern marine conservation efforts, dugongs serve as an important indicator species for assessing the health of seagrass ecosystems.

8. Conclusion

Dugongs are among the most gentle and mysterious marine mammals, but they are facing serious threats to their survival. Protecting dugongs is not just about saving a single species—it is also crucial for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Through global collaboration and strengthened conservation efforts, we can ensure that these “ocean mermaids” continue to thrive for generations to come.