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Dugongidae:
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are the smallest members of the order Sirenia (which also includes the manatees and Steller's Sea Cow), with adults generally growing to less than 3 meters long. The name dugong originated from the Malay language duyung meaning lady of the sea or mermaid. The dugong has a large range that spans some 37 countries and territories and includes tropical and subtropical coastal and island waters from East Africa to Vanuatu, between about 26° north and south of the Equator. They inhabit shallow waters, and feed on sea grass. They also have a long life span and slow breeding rate, which results in being susceptible to threats. The dugong is the only herbivorous mammal that is strictly marine, and is the only extant species in the Family Dugongidae. |
