Dugong spotted near Australian reef: Why this gentle sea creature is so rare

Rare sighting of a dugong in Australian waters

Divers near the Great Barrier Reef recently reported a fascinating sight: a dugong peacefully gliding through shallow seagrass beds. Known as “sea cows,” dugongs are incredibly rare marine mammals whose populations have plummeted due to human activities.

Why are dugongs so rare?

Habitat loss: Coastal development and the destruction of seagrass are reducing their food sources.

Illegal hunting and poaching: Dugongs are targeted for their meat and oil.

Bycatch and collisions with boats: Fishing nets and boat traffic often harm them.

Black market and shocking prices

Despite international protection, dugongs remain victims of the wildlife trade. Dugong meat and body parts can reportedly be worth thousands of dollars on the black market, making them a lucrative target for smugglers.

Conservation and protection

International law: Dugongs are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Marine sanctuaries: Australia, the Philippines, and parts of East Africa have established dugong protection zones.

Working groups: Groups such as WWF and the Marine Conservation Society actively monitor dugong populations and campaign against illegal trade.

Voices and opinions

Marine biologists say dugongs are a key indicator species: their health reflects the health of seagrass ecosystems. Indigenous communities in Australia also support dugong conservation, viewing them as part of their cultural heritage and as potential for ecotourism.

A case in point

In Queensland, conservation programs are working with Indigenous rangers to track dugong movements and protect their feeding grounds. This community-based model is becoming a global example of how to balance tradition, economics, and wildlife conservation.