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.
Species in this genus
Dugong
Often called dugong mermaids by sailors due to mammary glands and nursing habits are similar to humans
Steller’s sea cow
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