Is the dugong endangered?

VulnerableDugong / Conservation status
The dugong’s current distribution is fragmented, and many populations are believed to be close to extinction. The IUCN lists the dugong as a species vulnerable to extinction, while the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species limits or bans the trade of derived products.

How many dugongs are left in the wild 2022?

There are an estimated 200-250 dugongs left in the oceans, and among them, around 150 can be spotted in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar which has now become the most significant surviving natural habitat for dugongs globally.

Why are dugongs endangered?

Dugongs are threatened by sea grass habitat loss or degradation because of coastal development or industrial activities that cause water pollution. If there is not enough sea grass to eat then the dugong does not breed normally. This makes the conservation of their shallow water marine habitat very important.

Do sharks eat dugongs?

Adult dugongs do not have any natural predators, but juveniles may be eaten by saltwater crocodiles, killer whales, and large, coastal sharks.

Why do we need dugongs?

Wherever they survive, dugongs play an important role in maintaining coastal ecosystems. Their constant browsing of seagrass encourages regrowth – ensuring critical habitat and feeding sites for a host of other marine species, including turtles, dolphins and sawfish.

Can you swim with dugongs?

Swimming with dugongs is possible, although rare. Because of their endangered status, they aren’t simply out in the wild to experience when swimming at the beach. Even though they are rare, swimming with dugongs is generally at Shark Bay, specifically in Ningaloo Reef or Ningaloo Marine Park.

Do humans eat dugongs?

Dugong meat tastes like beef or pork. Dugong hunting for food and oil was once widespread throughout the dugong’s range and still occurs in at least 31 countries. Today the dugong is legally protected in most countries.

Do killer whales eat dugongs?

Killer whales exist at the top of the food chain as apex predators with no other animals hunting orcas other than humans. These whales consume sea birds, squids, octopuses, sea turtles, sharks, and fish. Orcas also eat other marine mammals such as seals and dugong.

What would happen if dugongs were extinct?

Abu Dhabi If dugongs become extinct, the impact will not be limited merely to the fact that future generations will not get to see the marine mammal — their absence will almost surely have an impact on the availability of sea fish, the staple diet of millions of people across the world.