Dugong

 Leighanna Weems                                                                                                                         Weems 1

Professor Foster 

ENG 111 2WF 

18 April 2023 

Dugong 

             Dugongs are cousins to the manatee, with a similar appearance except for their dolphin-like tail. They are found in shallow salt-water embankments off the coasts of the Indian and Western Pacific oceans. They feed on sea grasses as their only food source in these embankments, making them a vital part of a marine ecosystem. They also create a draw to tourism, given their calm nature toward humans. 

              Unfortunately, the dugong is considered vulnerable to extinction due to water pollution and sea grass habitat loss. The sea-grass population is decreasing due to water pollution caused by nearby towns, which affects the dugongs by decreasing access to a large food supply. Without proper feeding, the dugong cannot breed properly. This makes repopulation of the species difficult to achieve outside of captivity. By supporting legitimate organizations that strive to decrease water pollution and educating the public on the dangers pollution causes, we can save the dugong from extinction.  

Dugong swimming with some fish 

Weems 2 

Work Cited 

(Image) “Dugong.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/dugong.