Dugong

About

How dugong lives

Dugongs are marine herbivores that feed in shallow seagrass meadows across warm coastal waters. Dugongs leave grazing trails through seagrass beds as they feed. Coastal species are often adapted to tides, wind exposure, and rapidly changing shorelines.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink. Protecting dugong also depends on keeping coast, ocean habitats healthy and connected.

Vulnerable species can decline quickly when habitat loss, climate pressure, or human conflict intensifies.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Dugongs leave grazing trails through seagrass beds as they feed.
• Hair, fur, and milk production are hallmark mammal traits that separate them from other vertebrates.
• Coastal species are often adapted to tides, wind exposure, and rapidly changing shorelines.
• Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink.