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The Dugong: Earth’s Last Living 'Sea Cow' and Its Tragic Plight

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As the sole surviving species of the Dugongidae family, the dugong measures 2.7–3.3 meters in length and weighs 400–600 kg, grazing on seagrass in tropical shallows. Tragically, the population in China’s South China Sea has been confirmed functionally extinct, making this gentle giant a national first-class protected animal in China.

Featuring a broad, downturned upper lip adapted for grazing, the dugong’s small eyes and upturned comma-shaped nostrils give it an endearingly docile appearance. "It looks perpetually sleepy, like a sea cow in a permanent daydream," notes marine biologist Dr. Marina Silva. This "scruffy charm" belies its critical role as a keystone species, maintaining seagrass ecosystems that absorb carbon and support marine life.

Once widespread across the Indo-Pacific, dugongs now face threats from habitat destruction, boat strikes, and climate change. In Australia, where the largest populations persist, conservationists monitor their grazing patterns to protect both the species and its seagrass habitat. "Each dugong’s sluggish demeanor hides a fight for survival," says conservationist James Chen. "Their gentle, almost careless expression is a stark reminder of how human activity can tip delicate marine balances toward extinction."