Dugong Conservation: Protecting Vulnerable Sea Cows

Dugongs are the only strictly herbivorous marine mammals and face multiple serious threats including boat strikes, net entanglement, and seagrass habitat loss. Their conservation is closely linked to their welfare.

Key Facts

Dugongs are found across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Australia and feed almost exclusively on seagrass
The global dugong population is estimated at around 100,000, with the largest population in Australian waters
Dugongs are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List with population declines across most of their range
Boat strike propeller injuries are a leading cause of dugong death and injury in coastal areas
Seagrass degradation from coastal development, runoff, and climate change removes their primary food source

Welfare Considerations

Dugongs are slow-moving, long-lived animals (up to 70 years) that are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. Boat strikes cause painful injuries and death. Net entanglement drowns animals that must surface to breathe. Habitat loss from seagrass degradation forces dugongs to travel further for food, increasing stress and energy expenditure. Effective dugong welfare is inseparable from their conservation — protecting their habitat and reducing lethal human impacts is both a welfare and species survival imperative.

What You Can Do

Reduce boat speed in known dugong habitat areas and watch for surfacing animals
Support seagrass restoration projects in dugong range countries
Advocate for net-free zones in marine protected areas where dugongs are present
Support organizations working on dugong monitoring and conservation in Australia and Southeast Asia
Reduce nutrient runoff from your property that contributes to seagrass degradation