Dugong / Sea Cow ( Sirenia
- Dugongidae: Dugong dugon)
Common Names: Duyong,
Baboy-dagat, Dugong
Discoverer: Muller, 1776
Category:
VULNERABLE
Status: Resident
Habitat/Distribution: Widely distributed
in the coastal and island waters of the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Tropical
and subtropical shallow waters arounf 3 to 20 meters deep with seagrass
communities.
Historical Accounts: Dugongs were
commonly found throughout the Philippine Archipelago as early as 1990 by
Bautista. As of 1997, they have been seen and confirmed only from the Palawan
Province, Romblon Island, Guimaras Island, and Pujada Bay in Davao Oriental
(with only one specimen from the last 3 areas).Most information are from
anecdotal reports from the fishing communities.
Threats: Hunting, and accidental
capture using fishing nets.
Utilization: Dugongs have been slaughtered
because they provide high quality meat which tastes like veal. The meat is
usually sun dried or is cooked immediately. The meat is priced from PHP 10
to 30 per kilogram. Meat was previously sold openly until it became prohibited,
but obscure veding still persists.
Conservation Activities: Agencies involved
in dugong research and conservation are the DENR ( Department of Environment
and Natural Resources), University of the Philippines and the Kabang Kalikasan
ng Pilipinas (WWF-Philippines). |
