Dugong: Sea cow that inspired mermaid tales declared extinct in China

Dugong, also known as the sea cow, has been declared extinct in China. This marine animal inspired a character from mermaid tales. It still exists around the world but is facing threats.

Dugongs are quite gentle animals that are rarely seen grazing on seagrass and swimming gracefully through the ocean. Researchers interviewed around 788 citizens living in the coastal areas of China to find out if anyone had seen them. On average, reported no sightings of dugongs for 23 years. In the last five years, only three people had spotted one. There haven’t been any reported sights by scientists either since 2000.

They can often be spotted close to shore in the shallow waters making their habitat a prime for hunters. During the 20th century, many hunters continued to fish the mammal for their bone, skin and meat. It is one of the most gentle creatures and is the only vegetarian marine mammal making it an easy target. The mammal has a whale-like tail, weighs about half a tonne, and looks similar to a manatee.




In 1988, provided them with a grade-one national key protected animal status due to their rapid population decline. Researchers believe in the destruction of natural habitats, including a decline in seagrass beds. According to UN Environment Programme, there is a global loss of about 7% of seagrass habitats every year. Industrial pollution, coastal development, unsupervised fishing, coastal development, and many more such causes lead to the destruction of this environment. Lack of feed also resulted in a rapid population decrease.

Dugongs are found in about 37 tropical regions but face similar ‘vulnerable’ status. Professor Turvey, the co-author of this study, mentions that it is a devastating loss, and other regions should take this as a warning. He said it is a reminder that extinctions can happen before conservation plans are executed. Countries will meet in New York to sign a UN marine treaty labelling 30% of the world’s ocean as protected areas.

Kristina Gjerde, a high-seas policy adviser for the IUCN, commented that increasing human activities is sad that the marine environment is being affected.