Dugongs in Great Barrier Reef Shows Worrying Population Decline Due to Sea Grass Loss, Climate Change

The dugongs over the Great Barrier Reef have suffered from an alarming decline, according to a recent report from James Cook University (JCU).

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has listed dugongs as Vulnerable. The continuous decline of the marine creatute can bring their species to extinction.

Dugongs have suffered from habitat loss, exploitation and slow reproduction. The other threats are fishing gear entanglement, illegal hunting, vessel collisions and water pollution.

Dugongs in Great Barrier Population Decline

(Photo : by SIRACHAI ARUNRUGSTICHAI/AFP via Getty Images)
A photo of a Dugong. Researchers raised concerns about the dugong's declining population in the Great Barrier Reef due to seagrass loss and extreme weather events.

As a result, the urgent protection of the dugong population is critical to save their species from the brink of extinction. In the Great Barrier Reef, researchers observed the dugongs in the area.

According to the report, the aerial surveys have monitored the dugong populations over the Queensland coast since 1980.

From the Great Barrier Reef, they looked into the marine mammal activities in parts of Mission Beach, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.

Since 2005, the population of the dugong has been on the decline trend. It raises more concerns due to the impacts of threats to their species.

Dr. Chris Cleguer explained the overall decline of dugongs with few calves spotted, especially in the Great Barrier Reef from the Whitsundays to Bundaberg.

Dr. Cleguer is the study's researcher from James Cook University (JCU) TropWATER.

The alarming decline can also be associated with climate change's impacts, affecting dugong's food sources. Climate change-induced storms or cyclones can damage their seagrass habitats.

Without the sources of seagrass, the dugongs can likely die from starvation due to lack of food. They can likely migrate to distant areas to search for food, especially in Hervey Bay.

The contribution of community and innovative technology can better monitor the dugong population, especially since their populations are vulnerable.

Also Read: Global Rhinoceros Population Slowly Recovered Amidst Threats of Poaching, Habitat Loss, Report Shows

Seagrass and dugong facts

According to reports, the seagrass habitat managed to evolve 100 million years ago. There are about 72 different seagrass species that support ecosystems and aquatic animals.

Seagrass offers habitats and is vital to many marine biodiversity, including invertebrates, fish, turtles, crabs and birds. Seagrass can be found in semi-salty areas globally. The said habitat can also help in mitigating the effects of carbon dioxide.

Furthermore, dugongs can be found in the Western and Indian oceans. The animal can weigh up to 270kg (595 pounds). They have a long lifespan of up to 70 years, making it difficult to reproduce.

Dugongs are also known as sea cows. They graze on grasses or seafloor to search for food. It is a rare marine mammal that consumes seagrass in its daily diet.

Despite the animals having poor eyesight, they can quickly swim. To communicate with other dugongs, they can squeak or chirp.