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    Steller’s sea cow

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    The extinction of this 9-meter (30 ft) sea mammal is a wake-up call for those who believe the ocean has unlimited replenishing species

    Steller, the discoverer of this species, is the only scientist who ever witnessed this animal alive. The gigantic sea creatures were about 11 tons in mass and up to 10 meters in length. Most of their time was spent floating on the water, chilling out in groups. Hunters and sailors went crazy after this sea cow’s delicious meat (stated by Steller).

    Their fury’s quality also enthralled fur merchants. The thick blubber was frequently used as a source of oils for lamps and cooking. Unfortunately, these features didn’t serve them well and led to their extinction by the 18th century. Did you know that they survived only about 30 years after being discovered by men?

    Distribution

    Country
    Population est.
    Status
    Year
    Comments
    Bering sea
    0
    Official estimate
    EX
    2016
    Extinct locally
    Pacific ocean
    0
    Official estimate
    EX
    2016
    Extinct locally
    Russia
    0
    Official estimate
    EX
    2016
    Extinct locally
    United States
    0
    Official estimate
    EX
    2016
    Extinct locally

    Did you know?

    • Only sirenian known to have lived in cold waters.

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    Get to know me

    Terrestrial / Aquatic

    Altricial / Precocial

    Polygamous / Monogamous

    Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

    Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

    Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group

    Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

    Migratory: Yes / No

    Domesticated: Yes / No

    Dangerous: Yes / No

    EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE
    Extinct(IUCN)
    World Population
    Added by BioDB
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    Threats

    Habitat destruction / Climate change / Freshwater pollution / Marine pollution / Deforestation / Farming / Fishing practices / Poaching & wildlife trade / Invasive species / Parasites & diseases / Noise pollution / Light pollution

    My ID

    Scientific name: Hydrodamalis gigas

    Physical traits

    Length: 8 – 9 m (26 – 30 ft) Weight: 5,400 – 11,196 kg (11,894 – 24,661 pounds) Lifespan: 50 – 80 years When species evolved: Pleistocene Species evolved years ago: 4 – 8 mya Gestation: 12 months Offspring: 1 calf
    Habitats: Marine
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