Dugong

About Dugong

The gentle dugong, or sea cow, is a rare marine mammal that grazes on seagrass beds. Encounters in the wild are extremely special and increasingly rare due to habitat loss.

Quick Facts

• Habitat: Shallow tropical waters with seagrass beds, from East Africa to the western Pacific
• Diet: Exclusively seagrass—up to 40 kg per day
• Best season: Year-round in Egypt, best visibility in summer

Fun Facts

Dugongs are the only strictly herbivorous marine mammal,They can hold their breath for up to 6 minutes while grazing,Dugong mothers nurse their calves for up to 18 months,They are more closely related to elephants than to other marine mammals

Diving Tips

Dugongs are easily stressed by divers. Approach from the side, never from above. Stay low and move slowly. Never chase a dugong.