Common name : Sea pig, Sea camel
Scientific name : Dugong dugon
Family : Dugongidae
Native to : Indo-Pacific Ocean
Interesting fact : A female gives birth in shallow water tojust one calf after a gestation period of 13-15 months.
Conservation status : Vulnerable
Dugongs are elephant-like, large marine mammals found in shallowbays and mangroves. They grow up to 3 metres long. They havepaddle-like forelimbs, dolphin-like tails and unique skull and teeth. Theygraze benthic sea grasses with their sharp downturned snouts. These herbivores occasionally eat jellyfish, sea squirts and shellfish. They hunted for their meat and oil. Their lifespan is 70 years.
