Dugong

The Dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large marine mammal belonging to the order Sirenia and the family Dugongidae. In terms of agronomy and pest control, it is essential to clarify that the dugong is not an agricultural pest. Its habitat is restricted to warm coastal waters, meaning it has no interaction with terrestrial crops or agricultural systems.

The diet of the dugong consists exclusively of sea grasses belonging to families such as Potamogetonaceae. These plants grow in shallow marine environments. The dugong grazes on these submerged meadows, acting as a natural herbivore in its aquatic environment. Consequently, it poses no threat to farming, horticulture, or any cultivated plant species.

The biology of the dugong is characterized by a very slow life history. They have a low reproductive rate, with females producing a single calf only every few years. Due to this slow biological cycle, they are highly susceptible to habitat degradation, pollution, and the loss of their natural food sources in the marine environment.

Their feeding activity leaves distinctive tracks on the seafloor, as they consume the entire plant, including the rhizomes. These feeding trails are an indicator of healthy seagrass beds. Rather than causing damage, this behavior helps recycle nutrients and can stimulate the growth of new, younger shoots in the area, contributing to the health of the marine ecosystem.

• Strict protection of coastal habitats.
• Monitoring of water quality to ensure seagrass health.
• Reduction of incidental bycatch in fishing nets.
• Public awareness regarding the conservation of the species.

Conservation measures for the dugong are centered on habitat preservation rather than eradication or control. Since the species is listed as vulnerable, the focus remains on minimizing human interference in their migratory and feeding grounds, ensuring the survival of this unique marine mammal for future generations.