The Philippine Dugong

Guardian of the Seagrass!

Graceful, gentle, and elusive, the dugong (Dugong dugon) is one of the Philippines’ most treasured yet often overlooked marine mammals. Sometimes called the “sea cow,” this herbivorous creature is closely related to the manatee and elephants; its closest relative is the extinct Steller’s sea cow. The dugong plays a critical ecological role in maintaining the health of seagrass ecosystems—nurseries for countless fish and marine life.

In the warm, shallow coastal habitats of Palawan, Mindoro, and the Sulu Archipelago, dugongs glide silently through seagrass beds, grazing slowly and leaving behind paths of renewal. Their presence is not just a sign of a thriving underwater world—it’s a reflection of balance, biodiversity, and environmental health.

Yet despite their importance, dugongs are vulnerable endangered species threatened by habitat loss, accidental capture in fishing nets, vessel strikes, and human disturbance. Once abundant across the Philippine archipelago, sizeable herds of dugongs have now dwindled, making their protection both urgent and symbolic. Dugongs are considered functionally extinct in Chinese waters, while the largest population is found off the coast of northern Australia.

In this article, we dive into the world of the Philippine dugong: exploring its biology, cultural importance, habitats, the challenges it faces, and the conservation efforts that offer hope. This is a story not only of survival, but of stewardship—and the quiet power of a creature that shapes the sea it calls home.

What Is a Dugong?

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large, slow-moving marine mammal that belongs to the order Sirenia, making it a close relative of the manatee and the extinct Steller's sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas). Unlike whales and dolphins, dugongs are herbivores, spending their days grazing peacefully on seagrass meadows in warm coastal waters. Their gentle nature and unique biology have earned them the affectionate nickname “sea cow.”

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Dugongs can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weigh between 250 to 900 kilograms.

• Appearance: They have a torpedo-shaped body, a distinctive fluked tail like that of a whale, paddle-like forelimbs, and a broad, downturned snout designed for foraging seagrass.

• Skin: Their thick, smooth grayish skin often appears wrinkled and bears algae or barnacle growth due to their slow movement.

Lifespan, Reproduction, and Behavior

Dugongs are long-lived animals, with lifespans reaching 60 to 70 years. However, they reproduce slowly, reaching sexual maturity late. Females give birth to a single calf every 3 to 7 years, making population recovery a challenge once numbers decline.

Dugongs are shy, quiet, and non-aggressive. They surface every few minutes to breathe at the water’s surface but spend most of their time gliding along the seafloor, uprooting seagrass with their muscular lips. They are often solitary or seen in small groups, especially mothers with calves. Dugongs communicate with soft chirps and are known to be social to some extent.

Dugong Habitat and Distribution in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the last remaining strongholds for dugong populations in Southeast Asia. While once found throughout the country’s coastal waters, these gentle giants are now limited to specific areas where seagrass habitats remain relatively intact and human disturbance is minimal.

Key Locations

• Palawan: The province of Palawan—particularly Coron, Busuanga, and the Calamianes Islands—is considered the best place in the Philippines to observe dugongs in the wild. Barangay Binaratan and nearby sanctuaries offer guided eco-tours designed to protect both tourists and the animals.

  
  

• Occidental Mindoro: The waters off Apo Reef and Lubang Island are known dugong habitats. Local communities and conservation groups monitor these areas to prevent illegal dugong hunting and fishing practices.

  
  

• Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu Archipelago: Remote and biologically rich, this southernmost region is home to traditional communities that have coexisted with dugongs for centuries. Here, sightings are still reported, but access is more limited due to its remoteness.

The Dugong’s Habitat and Diet

Dugongs rely entirely on seagrass meadows for food and shelter. These underwater prairies, though often overlooked, are vital ecosystems rich in biodiversity, supporting a wide variety of marine species. Dugongs are rarely found in deeper waters, as they prefer areas where seagrass beds are abundant and sunlight can reach the seafloor.

Habitat: Seagrass Meadows of the Philippines

Dugongs live in shallow, sheltered coastal waters—usually less than 10 meters deep—where sunlight can easily reach the seafloor to support seagrass growth. In the Philippines, healthy seagrass beds are found in:

• Northern Palawan (Busuanga, Coron, and El Nido)

• Southern Mindoro

• The Sulu Archipelago

• Select areas of Negros, Bohol, and Guimaras

  
  

These coastal habitats offer calm waters, minimal boat traffic, and abundant food, making them ideal for dugong foraging.

Diet: Grazers of the Sea

Dugongs feed almost exclusively on seagrasses, not to be confused with seaweed. Using their downturned, bristled snouts, they uproot entire plants, leaving distinctive feeding trails across the seabed. They consume up to 30 kilograms of seagrass per day, often preferring softer, more digestible species like Halophila and Halodule.

This behavior, known as “cultivation grazing,” helps seagrass beds stay healthy. By cropping overgrown areas, dugongs promote new growth and increase biodiversity—an ecological service that benefits everything from fish to crustaceans.

Threats to the Philippine Dugong

Despite its calm nature and ecological importance, the Philippine dugong faces numerous threats that have placed it on the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable endangered species. In addition to habitat loss and accidental capture, dugongs have also been hunted for their meat and oil, which has contributed to their decline.

As their population continues to decline, these threats reveal a broader crisis affecting coastal ecosystems across the country. Natural predators such as sharks and killer whales also play a role in the marine ecosystem, occasionally preying on dugongs and helping maintain ecological balance.

Habitat Loss and Seagrass Degradation

The most urgent threat to dugongs is the destruction of their seagrass habitat.

• Coastal development, such as resorts, ports, and fishponds, often leads to land reclamation and sedimentation.

• Pollution from agriculture and urban runoff clouds the water, blocking sunlight essential for seagrass growth.

• Anchor damage and unregulated tourism further disturb the fragile seabeds.

When seagrass meadows disappear, so too does the dugong’s only food source.

Accidental Capture and Vessel Strikes

Dugongs often become entangled in fishing nets and traps intended for other marine species. Without the ability to surface for air, they can drown. Despite regulations, gillnet fishing remains common in many coastal areas.

Dugongs surface frequently to breathe, making them vulnerable to speeding boats and propeller strikes, especially in shallow tourist zones where seagrass beds overlap with boating routes. Noise pollution from vessels also disturbs their natural behavior.

Illegal Hunting and Other Threats

Although dugongs are legally protected under Philippine law, some communities continue hunting dugongs for their meat and oil, sometimes considered a luxury food or aphrodisiac. This hunting, combined with habitat degradation and natural disasters like typhoons, further threatens dugong populations.

Climate change poses additional risks through rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and stronger storms, which affect seagrass health and dugong reproductive patterns.

Climate Change Impacts on Dugongs and Seagrass Meadows

Climate change presents multiple threats to dugongs and their seagrass habitats, including:

• Habitat Loss: Rising sea temperatures, powerful storms, and typhoons can destroy seagrass beds, which are the primary food source and shelter for dugongs.

  
  

• Disease and Water Quality: Warmer Ocean waters can lead to an increase in diseases and parasites that harm dugongs. Ocean acidification and other changes in water chemistry can also disrupt seagrass growth.

  
  

• Coastal Erosion: Sea-level rise and frequent natural disasters contribute to coastal erosion, shrinking the available habitats for dugongs and pushing them to search for new, potentially unsafe areas.

  
  

• Increased Noise Pollution: More frequent storms and human activity increase underwater noise, which interferes with dugong communication and natural behaviors.

  
  

The loss of dugongs would have a significant ripple effect on coastal ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and natural resources. Conservation efforts, such as restoring seagrass meadows and supporting community-led initiatives, are crucial to protecting these animals and their habitats.

Conservation Efforts in the Philippines

Protecting the dugong means protecting the seagrass, the coastline, and the communities that share the sea. Across the Philippines, a growing number of conservation initiatives are working to reverse dugong decline and promote sustainable coexistence between marine life and people.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Key dugong habitats in Palawan, Mindoro, and Tawi-Tawi have been designated as MPAs—zones where human activity is regulated to protect biodiversity.

• In Coron, barangay-based marine sanctuaries safeguard seagrass beds critical for dugong foraging.

• Apo Reef Natural Park in Mindoro is another important area under formal protection.

These areas often involve community patrols and education programs to prevent illegal fishing and habitat degradation.

Community-Based Conservation Programs

Local fishers, divers, and indigenous communities are increasingly involved in dugong protection. In Busuanga, trained locals participate in the Dugong Watching Program, helping monitor populations while guiding tourists through responsible wildlife experiences.

Organizations like Dugong Watch Philippines train community members in wildlife documentation and seagrass mapping—turning locals into stewards of their coastal ecosystems.

Government and NGO Initiatives

The DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) works with national and international partners to develop species protection plans, monitor dugong populations, and enforce laws against poaching.

NGOs such as the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines and Conserve Palawan promote awareness, research, and community engagement in dugong hotspots.

Responsible Ecotourism

Sustainable dugong-watching tours not only provide income to local communities but also reduce pressure on hunting and destructive fishing. These tours follow strict guidelines—no touching, no feeding, and respectful distances—ensuring minimal stress on the animals.

How You Can Help

Protecting the dugong doesn’t require living by the sea—you can contribute from wherever you are. Whether you're a traveler, educator, student, or advocate, your actions can help safeguard these gentle marine giants and the seagrass ecosystems they depend on.

• Support Dugong Conservation Programs: Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to marine protection, such as Dugong Watch Philippines, Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, and Conserve Palawan.

  
  

• Choose Responsible Tourism: Join eco-certified tours that follow ethical wildlife-watching guidelines. Avoid boat tours that allow chasing or touching wildlife. Respect marine protected areas and avoid anchoring on seagrass beds.

  
  

• Reduce Ocean Pollution: Plastic waste kills marine life and smothers seagrass. Minimize single-use plastics, properly dispose of garbage, and join or organize beach clean-ups.

  
  

• Spread Awareness: Share articles, photos, or videos on social media. Encourage your community to learn about marine biodiversity. The more people care, the greater the push for protection.

  
  

• Advocate for Ocean-Friendly Policies: Support initiatives that protect coastal zones, regulate fishing practices, and reduce emissions that impact ocean health.

Coron Palawan

A Silent Sentinel of the Sea

The dugong is more than a rare marine mammal—it is a symbol of balance between life and ocean. Gliding slowly through the shallows, grazing on underwater meadows, and vanishing with barely a ripple, it reminds us that the most powerful guardians of nature are often the quietest.

In the Philippines, the dugong's survival hangs in the balance. Once widespread, it is now a vulnerable species living in isolated pockets of protected waters. And yet, where there is seagrass, where there is community effort, and where there is respect for nature, hope remains.

From the seagrass beds of Palawan to the shores of Mindoro, conservationists, local communities, and ecotourists are coming together to ensure that the dugong continues to swim free—not just as a relic of the past, but as a living emblem of sustainable seas. Internationally, significant dugong habitats include Shark Bay in Australia and the Persian Gulf, both of which support important dugong populations and are critical to the species' survival.

Let the dugong inspire more than admiration. Let it spark responsibility, curiosity, and a deeper commitment to the waters that nourish our islands and our lives.

Protect the dugong. Protect the ocean. Protect the future.

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