Dugongs are now declared as functionally extinct in China, scientists said in a study published last month. More commonly known as “sea cows,” dugongs are graceful creatures that graze on sea grasses in shallow coastal waters in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. These creatures, along with the similar-looking manatees, are also believed to be […]
Tag: dugong
Dugongs (Related to Manatees) Declared Functionally Extinct in China
The human imagination once transformed dugongs into mermaids. But now, human activity is pushing the gentle marine mammals into the realm of the imagination in a more sinister way. A new study published in Royal Society Open Science Wednesday found that the dugong (dugong dugon) is “functionally extinct” in Chinese waters. “The likely disappearance of […]
Sharks ‘critical’ to restoring damaged ecosystems, finds study
Sharks are critical in helping ecosystems recover from extreme climatic events, according to a new study. The conclusions came after scientists were able to determine the importance of the apex predator to a unique ecosystem following an extreme marine heatwave in 2011, which wiped out a quarter of one of the world’s largest and most […]
Beloved Dugong Died After Ingesting Plastic
In April, biologists found an orphaned dugong in Southern Thailand and named her Marium. They promptly fell in love with the beautiful sea mammal as did many around the world. She was just five months old when she became an internet sensation after biologists posted photos and videos of the affectionate dugong. Marium was very […]