A systematic review of the remaining populations, distributions, and habitat sites of the dugong in Southeast Asia.

Authors Janmanee Panyawai and Anchana Prathep, from the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand, combine this information with scientific research, to identify critical knowledge gaps about dugongs in this region. The review finds that dugong populations in Southeast Asia have not only reduced but are also scattered in coastal waters. The largest estimated populations were reported around East Malaysia, North Sulawesi, Indonesia and the Andaman Sea, Thailand. The review looks to available publications, conservation strategy, quantitative data and behavioral information.

“This is our first step to have a better understanding of dugongs in the region. We are looking forward for any further suggestions and collaborations from all dugong lovers.”
(Dr. Anchana Prathep, Excellence Center for Biodiversity of Peninsular Thailand, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University and co-author of the paper)

Read the full article here: Systematic Review Dugong Status Knowledge SEAsia

Panyawai, J. et al. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Status, Knowledge, and Research Gaps of Dugong in Southeast Asia. Aquatic Mammals, 48(3): pp. 203-222