The Dugong, often referred to as the sea cow, is a marine mammal known for its resemblance to both humans and fish. When a mother Dugong cradles her calf to nurse, the scene is reminiscent of a human mother and child.
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(Photo: robertosozzani) |
Like whales, Dugongs once lived on land. As continents transformed into oceans, they adapted to life in the sea. With these environmental changes, their bodies evolved to resemble fish; their front limbs became flippers, their hind limbs regressed, and their mammalian tails transformed into a fish-like tail. However, the female Dugong’s mammary glands remain as full as ever: while nursing, the mother uses one flipper to cradle her calf and the other to propel herself and keep both their heads above water for nursing and breathing.
Dugongs give birth to a single calf. The newborn is capable of swimming immediately and stays with its mother until it can completely fend for itself.
Dugongs inhabit shallow bays and sometimes venture into deeper rivers. They primarily feed on seagrass and often gather in large groups. These creatures are typically seen at the water’s surface during early morning or at sunset, spending their daytime resting on the ocean floor at depths of about 30-40 meters.
Dugongs are distributed across the Indian Ocean and the southern part of the South China Sea. They hold significant economic value and are also kept as ornamental fish.
(Photo: hsi.org)
