Dugong
Dugong is a very big, herbivorous marine mammal which breast feeds its young ones. It is also known as sea cow.

Share this Article:

Dugong, Sea Cow, Indian Marine SpeciesDugong is popularly known as Sea cow. The mammalian order is Sirenia. This includes tow surviving genera - the monospecific dugong, Dugong dugon and the manatee, of which three species exist. The African continent separates the habitats of the two genera. Dugong occurs along some parts of the Indian Ocean coastline and, more commonly, in the western Pacific. Together with manatees, they form the only group of hervivorous marine mammals in existence.

In Indian waters, the largest dugong population exists probably between India and Sri Lanka, in the Gulf of Mannar and in Palk Bay, where abundant pastures of sea grass meadows grow in the shallows, providing food. Dugongs are also known from the Gulk of Kutch and from the Andamans. They have been recorded in lengths ranging from roughly one to three metres and weights reaching an estimated four hundred kilograms.

Not infrequently, dugongs swim in family groups consisting of a single young and its parents. Their attachment to each other often results in the capture of the entire family if any one of the members is netted or harpooned. The young suckle from prominent nipples situated high up on the mother`s chest. The position of these (in the armpits under the flippers) is probably responsible for the old belief that sea-cows were mermaids. Sea-cows, in fact, are most closely related phylogenetically to elephants, sharing with them such traits as heavy bones, enlarged upper incisors (these miniature tusks occur in the male) and anteriorly-placed mammae. Dugongs do not stray far from coastal waters, and surface to breathe at intervals ranging from thirty seconds to 8.5 minutes. These habits render them easy prey for man.

Dugongs or sea cows have usually been hunted for meat. The fat underlying their skin, the skin itself and the tushes and bones have also been put to a variety of uses. Their keen sense of hearing has probably been instrumental in the continued survival of dugongs in areas where they were once abundant. Substantial populations survive today only in north Australian waters and some in the Indian waters. Twenty years has been suggested as the dugong`s longevity.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.