ClimateSeptember 4, 2026

dugongs

DOO-gongz

Definition

A large, herbivorous marine mammal related to the manatee, found in warm coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Etymology

The word comes from the Malay term 'duyung', meaning 'lady of the sea', and entered English in the 18th century to describe the creature frequently associated with mermaid legends.

In the news

Dugongs are identified as a vulnerable species protected by this project because they are at risk of being trapped and drowned by abandoned fishing equipment.

Great Barrier Reef Crab Pot Clean Up

Read the full article ↗

The National Tribune

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