Introducing the Dugong

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You are wondering what a dugong is. It is one of four species in a group of marine mammals. They are herbivores, and their diet includes only plants. They are a tropical to subtropical species found in 37 different countries. The biggest population of dugong are in Australia, with about 85,000. Their closest relative is the manatee. It is surprising to find out that the closest land relative is the elephant. Male dugongs grow tusks at maturity, and female dugongs also get tusks, but in the older females. The age of a dugong can be determined by how many rings they have on their tusks. Dugongs breathe oxygen above the surface through their nostrils, and for up to 11 minutes, they can hold their breath. Even though they don’t have good eyesight their hearing is excellent. They communicate by barks, chirps, squeaks, trills and other sounds that can travel through water.