Do dugongs eat anything other than seagrass?
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Do dugongs eat anything other than seagrass?
Dugong Diet Less commonly, they will consume algae when seagrass cannot be found. Some populations will resort to consuming invertebrates such as shellfish, sea squirts, worms, and jellyfish, especially those hiding along the seagrass.
What do dugongs defend themselves with?
For an animal often unflatteringly referred to as a sea-pig, the dugong’s portliness is its main defence. The thickest part of its body is the back, where there is more blubber. This means the animals protect themselves from predators, such as sharks, by simply turning their backs on them.
What eats dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef?
They have few predators, besides sharks, crocodiles and man. Dugongs were hunted to the edge of extinction in the early part of last century by Europeans for food and oil. These days, dugongs are under pressure from other activities, such as loss of habitat, boat traffic and being caught in fishing nets.
Are dugongs and manatees related?
Dugongs are related to manatees and are similar in appearance and behavior— though the dugong’s tail is fluked like a whale’s. Both are related to the elephant, although the giant land animal is not at all similar in appearance or behavior.
What would happen if dugongs become extinct?
Abu Dhabi If dugongs become extinct, the impact will not be limited merely to the fact that future generations will not get to see the marine mammal — their absence will almost surely have an impact on the availability of sea fish, the staple diet of millions of people across the world.
Are dugongs related to manatees?
These enormous vegetarians can be found in warm coastal waters from East Africa to Australia, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Dugongs are related to manatees and are similar in appearance and behavior— though the dugong’s tail is fluked like a whale’s.
What is a group of dugongs called?
Group Name: Herd. Average Life Span In The Wild: 70 years. Size: 8 to 10 feet. Weight: 510 to 1,100 pounds.
