In General

The dugong is a mammal which has a fusiform body, ie no dorsal fin or hindlimbs. The dugong is under threat from loss of its seagrass habitat, boat strikes and natural predators, including sharks and killer whales.

The dugong can grow up to 3 metres long and weigh up to 250 to 300 kilogrms.

Diet

Seagrass.

Habitat

Shallow coastal waters in Northern Australia.

Breeding

Sexual maturity is reached between 8 and 18 years of age. The gestation period is 13 months and the calf is reliant on its mother for a further 2 years. The mother will not produce another calf for another 2 to 7 years. Although a dugong can live up to 50 years, the number of calves produced in a lifetime is fairly small.

Conservation status

Vulnerable