Dugon+Dugon

=Dugong = Class: Mammalia Order: Sirenia Family: Dugongidae Genus: //Dugong// Species: //Dugong dugon

Population: Unknown

Year assessed: 2008// Why:

Diet: They eat sea grasses. Predators: large sharks, Saltwater Crocodiles and Killer Whales.

Habitat: water. Prefers coastal waters, does not go into open seas.

The Dugong can be found in the Indian Ocean. The Water temperatures in the indian ocean, on the coast where Dugongs are found, range from 29 °C to 37 °C.
 * Currents in the Indian Ocean:**


 * Agulhas Current
 * East Madagascar Current
 * Somali Current
 * Mozambique Current
 * Leeuwin Current
 * Indonesian Through-flow
 * North Equatorial Current
 * South Equatorial Current
 * Indian Monsoon

migration patterns: During the winter, herds of dugongs will move to warmer places in northern countries. Dugongs live in warmer waters around countries near the equator.  //Population: Unknown //

Reprodction: Dugongs’ pregnancy last about 13 months. They give birth to one baby at a time. Give live birth. The mother dugong will take care of her calf for two years. Apperence Dugongs range in size from about 8 to 10 feet long. It weighs from 510 to 1,100 pounds.

Anatomy 1) manatees are hind-gut digesters which means that more of the digestive processes occur further along the intestinal tract 2)Their teeth are like our molors. 3) They have a streamlined body and a flat, two-pointed tail 4) A manatee's circulatory system is very important in transporting heat and regulating body temperature. 5) their lungs are flattened and elongated and extend horizontally along the back almost to the anus. 6) manatee's ribs are more arched than most other mammals 7) Their kidneys filter blood to control levels of salt and to maintain water balance. 8) A female manatee's mammary milk glands are located behind the forelimbs or flippers, one per side. 9)Compared to other mammals of the same size, manatees have relatively small brains.

Diet: They eat sea grasses. Predators: large sharks, Saltwater Crocodiles and Killer Whales.

Econmic importance: tourism

reason for endangerment: slow reproduction rate. A female is born every 3 to 7 years.

QUESTIONS: What do Dugongs eat??

What is their population??

What is their econmic importance??