🌿Native Nature

Dugong

Dugong dugon

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Chordata ›Class: Mammalia ›Order: Sirenia ›Family: Dugongidae ›Genus: Dugong

About

The dugong (/ˈdjuːɡɒŋ/; Dugong dugon) is a medium-sized marine mammal. It is one of four living species of the order Sirenia, which also includes three species of manatees. It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae; its closest modern relative, Steller's sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas), was hunted to extinction in the 18th century. The dugong is the only strictly herbivorous marine mammal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Dugong?
The scientific name of Dugong is Dugong dugon.
What is the conservation status of Dugong?
The Dugong has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
What kingdom does Dugong belong to?
Dugong belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does Dugong belong to?
Dugong belongs to the phylum Chordata.
What class does Dugong belong to?
Dugong belongs to the class Mammalia.
What order does Dugong belong to?
Dugong belongs to the order Sirenia.
What family does Dugong belong to?
Dugong belongs to the family Dugongidae.
What genus does Dugong belong to?
Dugong belongs to the genus Dugong.

In the News

Thai island community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass

KOH LIBONG, Thailand — Growing up on the island of Koh Libong, Tipusa Sangsawang remembers fondly how vast numbers of dugongs used to feed on local seagrass meadows teaming with fish, crabs and mollusks. “Out there, it was like a football field,” Tipusa says, as she watches waves lap across a seemingly barren sandflat that […]

Mongabay · 5/21/2026

Arabian Gulf’s fragile marine ecosystem threatened by current crisis (commentary)

At this time of year, the waters of the Arabian Gulf support one of the most significant gatherings of marine life anywhere in the world. Thousands of dugongs congregate in shallow coastal areas, including mother-and-calf pairs, dependent on the 3,000 square kilometers (well over 1,000 square miles) of seagrass meadows in Abu Dhabi waters. Along […]

Mongabay · 5/11/2026