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    Dugong – Dugong

    The marine (salt water) fluke-tailed cousins of the freshwater manatees

    You may have never heard of dugongs, but they are one of the most peaceful creatures that roam our seas. These giant vegetarians can often be found in the coastal waters of East Africa and Australia, where they attract tourists from all over the world who sometimes dive into swimming with them or observing them closely from their boats.

    These peaceful animals are often an easy target for seaside hunters and have long been sought after for their skin, teeth, oil, and bones. Even though dugongs are legally protected all over their range, their populations are still fragile.