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Zoo Singapur Manati  Dugong seekuh 

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a fascinating and gentle marine mammal that inhabits warm coastal waters, particularly in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Known for their graceful swimming and herbivorous diet, dugongs are often likened to manatees, as they share a common ancestor, but dugongs are better adapted to life in saltwater environments. Sadly, dugongs are currently listed as Vulnerable due to threats from human activity and environmental changes.

Key Features of the Dugong:

1. Appearance:

   • Dugongs are large, teardrop-shaped animals with thick, greyish skin that often appears mottled or scarred due to environmental factors.
   • They have no dorsal fin, unlike other marine mammals, and their body tapers into a fluked tail, similar to that of a whale.
   • Their snout is downward-facing, with large, bristly whiskers around the mouth, which help them forage for food in seagrass beds.
   • Adult dugongs typically reach lengths of 2.5 to 4 meters (8 to 13 feet) and weigh between 230 to 420 kilograms (500 to 930 pounds), although some larger individuals can exceed this range.

2. Habitat:

   • Dugongs are typically found in shallow coastal waters, where they inhabit seagrass meadows. They are commonly seen in the Indian Ocean, around countries such as Australia, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
   • They prefer warm, tropical and subtropical environments, often in regions where the water is less than 10-15 meters deep. Dugongs also require clear waters and calm seas, as they feed on seagrasses that grow in these areas.
   • Dugongs can be found in mangrove areas, coastal lagoons, and coral reefs, where they can find food and seek shelter.

3. Diet:

   • Dugongs are herbivores, primarily feeding on seagrasses and marine plants. Their diet consists mostly of seagrass species like Halophila and Zostera, which grow in shallow coastal waters.
   • They are selective feeders and have a unique way of foraging. Dugongs use their flexible snouts to pull up seagrass from the seafloor. They often uproot entire plants, and their feeding can help control the growth of seagrasses, but it can also damage seagrass beds if overgrazing occurs.
   • They spend many hours each day feeding on seagrass, typically consuming up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of vegetation per day.

4. Behavior:

   • Dugongs are social but not highly interactive. They are generally found alone or in small groups, although groups of up to 30 individuals may occasionally form in areas with abundant food.
   • Dugongs are slow swimmers, using their tail flukes to propel themselves through the water. They can reach speeds of about 8 km/h (5 mph), though they typically move at a leisurely pace.
   • They often spend time near the surface, breathing air approximately every 30 seconds to 1 minute, though they can hold their breath for several minutes while feeding.
   • Dugongs are often seen basking near the surface, either resting or grazing on seagrass beds.

5. Reproduction:

   • Dugongs have a slow reproductive rate, with females giving birth to a single calf after a 13-month gestation period. This long gestation period means that dugongs reproduce slowly, contributing to their vulnerability.
   • Calves are born live, and they typically weigh 30-40 kilograms (66-88 pounds) at birth. They stay with their mothers for about 18 months, nursing on rich milk and learning how to forage for seagrass.
   • Dugongs reach sexual maturity at about 10 years of age, though they can live much longer, with some individuals reaching up to 70 years.

6. Conservation Status:

   • The dugong is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with populations steadily declining in many parts of their range.
   • The main threats to dugongs include habitat destruction, such as the loss of seagrass beds due to pollution, coastal development, and climate change.
   • Dugongs are also threatened by hunting and bycatch in fishing nets. In some regions, dugongs have been traditionally hunted for their meat, oil, and bones.
   • Boat traffic, water pollution, and entanglement in fishing nets are also significant threats to dugong populations, leading to injuries or fatalities.
   • Dugongs are protected in many countries, but conservation efforts are ongoing to reduce threats to their habitat and protect them from hunting and bycatch.

7. Unique Adaptations:

   • Snout and Whiskers: Dugongs have downward-facing snouts and bristly whiskers that help them detect and manipulate seagrass on the seafloor. These whiskers are sensitive and help them navigate the ocean floor to find food.
   • Adapted for Grazing: Their teeth are well-suited to their diet, with molars and premolars that help them grind and chew tough seagrasses. They have flat, broad teeth for grinding, allowing them to process large quantities of vegetation.
   • Slow Movements: Dugongs’ slow and steady movements help them conserve energy while grazing, and their mild-mannered nature makes them appear peaceful as they glide through the waters.

8. Ecological Role:

   • Dugongs play an important ecological role by maintaining the health of seagrass meadows. As they feed on seagrass, they help control the growth of these plants and prevent any one species from becoming too dominant.
   • Their grazing behavior also contributes to nutrient cycling in coastal ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates that depend on seagrass habitats.

Fun Facts About Dugongs:

• The name "dugong" comes from the Malay word "duyung," meaning "lady of the sea" because of the animal's gentle nature and graceful appearance.
• Dugongs are sometimes referred to as "sea cows" because they are herbivorous, slow-moving, and graze on seagrass similar to cows grazing on land.
• Dugongs have few natural predators but can fall prey to crocodiles and large sharks in some regions.

Conservation Efforts:

• Many countries are working to protect dugongs by establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) in critical seagrass habitats. These efforts are aimed at reducing the threats from coastal development, pollution, and fishing activities.
• Some organizations are focused on reducing bycatch by implementing safer fishing practices and promoting the use of dugong-friendly fishing gear.
• Seagrass restoration programs are also underway in some regions to help replenish important dugong feeding grounds.

25.02.25 Copyright   Dirk  Rauschenbach Koelnerstrasse 293 51702 Bergneustadt  Datenschutzerklaerung   02261 9788972  Mail ccooly( at) web.de