Strap on your crocs and get ready for some cleanin’, learnin’ and laughin’ with Trash Talkin’ Tammy, Learnin’ Leslie and Don the Dugong as we venture out into a backyard canal after hurricane Ian.
The goal of this series is to make the most positive impact as we possibly can, while learning about some cool species through our Species Spotlights along the way. You can help make a positive impact too by sharing this video with a friend or loved one. If you want to snatch n’ grab yourself the OFFICIAL Trash Talkin’ N’ Learnin’ Crew shirt, visit our Shop Here. In the meantime, have a good day and clean up the waterways!
Feeling inspired? Learn How to Safely and Effectively Do Trash Clean Ups in Your Community
Dugong Facts
What is it?
The Dugong is a mammal and is also the cousin of the Manatee.
Where do they come from?
The Dugong is found in the Indo-West Pacific waters. This entire area consists of 40 countries and territories.
What do they eat?
Like the Manatee, the Dugong is also referred to as a “Sea Cow” due to their seagrass diet. Don, true or false, you can eat up to 66 lbs of sea grass per day?
How long do they live?
Their life expectancy is up to 70 years. The oldest recorded Dugong lived to be 73 years old.
Are they endangered?
As of July of 2015, the Dugong is listed by the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable with the species wild populations in decline. There is good news though.
What is being done in order to preserve them?
Along with several Commonwealth acts that help to protect these species, there are also several organizations that are helping to conserve the Dugong like the Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project.
What is one of the most interesting facts about the Dugong?
Believe it or not, the Dugong’s closest land relative is the elephant. Male Dugongs actually grow tusks when they reach maturity which occurs between the ages of 8 and 18. Female Dugongs also grow tusks, but they grow them later on in life once they reach 40 years of age.