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Dugong and Sea Cow: Dugongidae

Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Conservation Status, Steller's Sea Cow (hydrodamalis Gigas): Species AccountsGEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, SEA COWS DUGONGS AND PEOPLE



STELLER'S SEA COW (Hydrodamalis gigas): SPECIES ACCOUNTS
DUGONG (Dugong dugon): SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Dugongs live in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific. Steller's sea cow was found in the western North Pacific Ocean.

Dugongids live in coastal waters that contain sea grass. Steller's sea cow lived with macroalgae, large, plant-like algae (AL-jee) also called kelp.

Dugongs primarily feed on sea grasses that grow on the ocean's floor in shallow water. Steller's sea cow reportedly fed on the surface and was never recorded as diving. Because the sea cow was toothless, it had to crush its food between studded plates at the front of their upper and lower jaws.



Steller's sea cow was hunted to extinction within thirty years of its discovery. Dugongs have been hunted for their meat and other body parts, and increasingly are victims of boating and fishing accidents.

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Animal Life ResourceMammals