Dugongs Return to Koh Muk in Large Numbers

TRANG, June 6 (TNA) – A large herd of 30 dugongs has been spotted near Koh Muk Island, Thailand, marking a significant increase in their numbers in the area.

The sighting was captured on video by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) during a survey of dugong behavior in seagrass beds around Koh Muk and Hat Yong Lam on June 5, 2024.

According to Mr. Jinda Srisuppatpong, Director of the Marine National Park Operations Center 3 in Trang Province, the dugongs were observed using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the vicinity of Koh Muk Pier in the Hat Chao Mai National Park. This is the largest number of dugongs ever recorded in a single survey in the area. The DNP is committed to further studying and monitoring the behavior of this dugong herd.

This discovery is particularly encouraging as it represents the first time since the seagrass crisis that such a large group of dugongs has been seen together in a single day. During regular monthly surveys, it is common to observe only 2-3 dugongs at a time.

Dugongs, also known as “sea cows,” are herbivorous marine mammals related to manatees. They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat loss, hunting, and entanglement in fishing gear. Seagrass beds are critical habitat for dugongs, providing them with food and shelter. -819 (TNA)