DUGONG

 

Physical description

  • The dugong and the manatee are very closely related and can look almost identical until you look at their tail.

  • The tail of the dugong is typically forked like the tail of a shark, where the tail of the  is broad manatee is flat, and slightly more flipper looking than fin looking.

  • Dugongs are smaller than manatee

  • The front flippers of the dugong can be as much as half a meter in length.

 General Characteristics

Length : 2.7m to 3 m ( 8.9 – 9.8 ft )

Weight :  230 – 400 kg ( 506.61 – 881.06 )

Range : Northern waters of Australia between Shark Bay (Western Australia) and Moreton Bay (Queensland)

Habitat – Shallow rivers, canals, saltwater bays, wide mangroves and coastal areas.

Diet   Sea Grasses , selfish and sea squirts

What type of animal : Herbivore

StatusDugong population have decreased

Reason for the status – Hunting for meat , and blubber

Gestation Period – 13 to 15 months

Lifespan – 70 years in wild / 10 years in captivity

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