Dugong Becomes , First Large Mammal, Declared Extinct in China.
A new study published on August 24 says , “this is the first functional extinction of a large mammal in China’s coastal waters.”.
A new study published on August 24 says , “this is the first functional extinction of a large mammal in China’s coastal waters.”.
Research from the Zoological Society of London and the Chinese Academy of Sciences attributes the extinction to fishing, ship strikes and human-caused habitat loss.
Research from the Zoological Society of London and the Chinese Academy of Sciences attributes the extinction to fishing, ship strikes and human-caused habitat loss.
The number of dugongs in China's waters began to rapidly decrease beginning in the 1970s.
The number of dugongs in China's waters began to rapidly decrease beginning in the 1970s.
Previously, the dugong had frequented China's southern waters for hundreds of years.
In 1988, the dugong was classified as a Grade 1 National Key Protected Animal by China's State Council.
According to the report, the dugong's marine habitat has been rapidly degraded by humans.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the dugong as vulnerable.
It can still be found in coastal waters ranging from East Africa to Vanuatu and as far north as Japan.
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NBC reports that some believe the dugong was the original inspiration for ancient seafaring tales of mermaids and sirens.
NBC reports that some believe the dugong was the original inspiration for ancient seafaring tales of mermaids and sirens
