Dugong Dugon in Malaysia
Dugong Dugon
Dugong dugon in Malaysia: The dugong (Dugong dugon) — often called the “sea cow” — is a gentle, slow-moving marine mammal that grazes on seagrass in shallow coastal waters. In Malaysia, dugongs are rare and vulnerable, but they are still found in several important locations, particularly in Sabah and Johor.
Dugongs are found in Malaysia, primarily in the shallow coastal waters and seagrass meadows off the states of Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The waters around the Sibu and Tinggi Islands and the adjacent Mersing archipelago are home to the largest known dugong population in Peninsular Malaysia. This area is a critical feeding ground due to its extensive seagrass meadows.
The dugong population in Malaysia is small and declining, with estimates of fewer than 100 individuals remaining off the coast of Johor.
🐋 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dugong dugon |
| Common Name | Dugong / Sea Cow |
| Family | Dugongidae |
| Status in Malaysia | Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) |
| Diet | Seagrass (mainly Halophila and Halodule species) |
| Habitat | Shallow coastal waters, lagoons, and seagrass meadows |
| Average Size | 2.5–3 meters |
| Weight | 250–400 kg |
| Lifespan | Up to 70 years |
📍 Major Dugong Habitats in Malaysia
| Location | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pulau Sibu–Pulau Tinggi Archipelago | Johor | The most important dugong habitat in Peninsular Malaysia. Seagrass meadows here support one of the last viable dugong populations. Protected under Johor Marine Park. |
| Pulau Mantanani | Sabah | Dugongs are occasionally sighted here; the area is being studied for potential conservation. |
| Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park | Sabah | Historical sightings, though rare now due to human activity. |
| Lahad Datu and Semporna | Sabah (East Coast) | Some coastal villages report occasional dugong sightings. |
| Labuan Marine Area | Labuan Federal Territory | Occasional presence recorded in nearby seagrass areas. |
🌿 Conservation and Protection
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Protected by Law | Under Fisheries Act 1985 (Fisheries Regulation 1999), dugongs are protected species in Malaysia. Killing or capturing them is illegal. |
| Seagrass Monitoring | Conducted by Department of Fisheries Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and Universiti Malaya (UM). |
| Awareness Programs | Local island communities in Johor are trained to report sightings and protect seagrass beds. |
| International Protection | Listed in CITES Appendix I — trade of dugongs or parts is prohibited. |
Malaysia Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project
The Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project aims to enhance the conservation of dugongs (Dugong dugon) and their associated seagrass ecosystems in eight countries in the Indo-Pacific region, namely Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu.
The Malaysia Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project focuses on two key sites:
- Sibu and Tinggi Islands (Johor)
- Lawas waters (Sarawak)
Conservation Project Malaysia
| Project | Title | Partner |
|---|---|---|
| MY1 | Operationalising the Malaysian National Plan of Action for dugongs in Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi, Johor, peninsular Malaysia | Department of Marine Park Malaysia (DMPM) |
| MY2 | Establishment of a National Facilitating Committee and Technical Working Group for conserving dugongs and their habitat | Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (TUMEC), Department of Fisheries Malaysia, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-base Industry |
| MY3 | Community understanding and management of dugong and seagrass resources in Johor, Malaysia | Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) |
| MY4 | A multi-pronged approach to overcoming knowledge barriers on the ecology and status of dugongs in Johor: Towards critical habitat protection | The MareCet Research Organisation of Selangor (MareCet) |
| MY5 | Overcoming knowledge gaps and involving the local community in supporting the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) for the conservation of dugongs and seagrass in Bay of Brunei, Lawas, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo | Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sendirian Berhad (SFCSB) |
Department of Marine Park Malaysia (DMPM)
Department of Marine Park Malaysia (DMPM). DMPM holds a greater responsibility not just managing and conserving all 42 islands gazetted as Marine Park but also the leading federal agency in protecting marine biodiversity and resources in Malaysia. The principal goal of establishing Marine Parks in the country is to protect, conserve and manage in perpetuity representative marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and their associated flora and fauna, so that they remain undamaged for future generations. Other goals are to promote scientific research and to inculcate public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Malaysia marine heritage.
⚠️ Threats to Dugongs
| Threat | Description |
|---|---|
| Seagrass degradation | Caused by coastal development, pollution, and boat anchoring. |
| Fishing gear entanglement | Dugongs can drown if trapped in fishing nets. |
| Boat collisions | Increasing tourism and marine traffic pose serious risks. |
| Pollution | Plastic and chemical pollutants affect seagrass health. |
| Low reproductive rate | Females give birth only once every 3–7 years. |
📸 Best Chances to Spot Dugongs (Ethically)
| Location | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pulau Tinggi Marine Park, Johor | March–October | Seagrass meadows visible; sightings possible with local guides. |
| Mantanani Islands, Sabah | Year-round | Rare sightings; join eco-tourism or research projects. |
🧭 Fun Facts
- Dugongs are related to elephants, sharing a common ancestor about 50 million years ago.
- They graze like cows, leaving visible “feeding trails” in seagrass meadows.
- Unlike manatees, dugongs have a fluked (dolphin-like) tail.
- Local folklore in Malaysia calls them “ikan duyung” — inspiring mermaid legends among coastal communities.
🏝️ Conservation Tip
If you visit Pulau Tinggi or Sibu Island Marine Park, you can:
- Join a seagrass watch with local NGOs
- Avoid anchoring boats on seagrass areas
- Choose eco-friendly resorts that support marine protection
Current status and threats
- Population decline: Dugong populations in Malaysia have significantly decreased, with estimates of fewer than 100 remaining in the waters off Johor.
- Habitat degradation: The loss and fragmentation of seagrass habitats, which are their primary food source, are major threats to their survival.
- Fishing-related deaths: Dugongs are vulnerable to entanglement in fishing nets and collisions with boats.
- Legal protection: Dugongs are listed as a marine endangered species under Malaysian law, and hunting is now rare, though it still occurs opportunistically.
Key locations
- Johor: The coastal waters of Johor are a key area for dugong populations, though numbers are low.
- Sulu Sea: Sightings are rare, but dugongs have been reported around Jambongan, Tigabu, Mandidarah, and Malawali Islands.
- Sibu Archipelago: This area is considered one of the few pristine sites in Southeast Asia with a sizeable dugong population.
- Sarawak: The Bay of Brunei in Lawas is designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) for the conservation of dugongs and seagrasses.
Why We Need to Save Dugong dugon in Malaysia
- 🪸 Maintain ecosystem balance: Dugongs are vital for keeping seagrass meadows healthy — essential habitats that support fish, crabs, and other marine life.
- 🌿 Preserve seagrass ecosystems: Their grazing prevents overgrowth, promotes seagrass regeneration, and enhances biodiversity.
- 🌊 Indicator of marine health: The presence of dugongs reflects a clean, stable, and productive marine environment.
- 💰 Support local livelihoods: Healthy seagrass beds contribute to sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism opportunities for coastal communities.
- 🧬 Scientific value: As the only herbivorous marine mammal, dugongs are key to understanding marine evolution and ecosystem dynamics.
- 🧭 Cultural heritage: They hold symbolic and traditional significance in many Malaysian coastal and indigenous cultures.
- ⚠️ Prevent extinction: With small and declining populations in Johor and Sarawak, immediate action is crucial to avoid local extinction.
- 🌏 Global responsibility: Protecting dugongs aligns with Malaysia’s commitments to global biodiversity goals and marine conservation treaties.
Conclusion
Saving Dugong dugon in Malaysia means protecting coastal biodiversity, local livelihoods, and national natural heritage. Dugongs are not just “marine cows” — they are guardians of the sea, ensuring our oceans remain balanced and thriving.
Saving the dugong means protecting Malaysia’s marine heritage, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of future generations.
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