Dugong (Duyung)
Dugong dugon
A rare, gentle marine mammal that grazes seagrass in shallow bays. Dugongs are quiet, cautious, and most often seen where seagrass meadows are extensive and undisturbed making any sighting feel truly special.
HabitatShallow seagrass meadows in sheltered bays
DietSeagrass (grazing herbivore)
SizeUp to 3 meters
BehaviorShy; slow grazer; surfaces quietly to breathe
Where you might see it
If you’re lucky, in calm, shallow seagrass areas around the Togeans; sightings are uncommon and depend on conditions and disturbance levels.
How to spot it
Look for muddy “grazing trails” in seagrass and a gray shape moving low over the bottom. Watch for a subtle roll and nostrils breaking the surface.
Responsible Encounter Guidelines
- •Keep very large distance; never pursue.
- •No motorboats over seagrass at speed.
- •If it dives/changes direction, you’re too close retreat.
- •Avoid loud splashing; keep group small.
- •Never separate mother and calf.
Gallery
Conservation Status
IUCN: Vulnerable; CITES Appendix I (trade prohibited). Threatened by seagrass loss and net entanglement.