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A Dugong dugon (Dugong dugon) is the little member of the choose Sirenia (which also includes a manatees and Steller's Sea Cow). Adults come typically less than Ternion meters hanker. A title Dugong originated from either a Malay language duyung meaning lady of the sea or mermaid.

Although it it used to be that covered tons of the tropical South Pacific and Indian Oceans, remaining populations come greatly reduced. Groups of 10,000 or even thomas more come present on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, at Shark Bay, and in Torres Strait south of New Guinea. Prior to 1970, it is thought that big populations were besides present around Mozambique and coastal Kenya, but these keep around dwindled. Palau also has a little people. In January 22, 2003, after Lxx years, an personal was detected (weight 300 kilogram, length Ii m) off a coast of Tanzania.

Dugong and Sea Cow
Detailed description of the Dugongidae and its one living and one recently extinct member.

Green, Green Grass of Home
Article about the Dugong from the BBC Natural History Unit.

Dugong Information Kit
From the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Save Dugong
Conservation news from Japan.

Marine Species Conservation: Dugongs
Information on dugongs in Australian waters.

Dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef
Information on the current state of research in Australia. [PDF format]






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