Introduction to Dugong in the Red Sea
The Red Sea, with its crystal clear waters and vibrant marine biodiversity, is often associated with coral reefs, colourful fish, and encounters with dolphins. Yet hidden within its shallow seagrass meadows lives one of the ocean’s most mysterious and gentle giants the dugong (Dugong dugon). Known as the “sea cow”, this marine mammal is a close relative of the manatee, but it is the only living representative of its family (Dugongidae).
While dugongs are distributed across the Indo Pacific region, from East Africa to Australia, their presence in the Red Sea is particularly significant due to their small, isolated populations and the fragile nature of their habitat. Studying and protecting these creatures in Egyptian waters is essential, not only for the survival of the species but also for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
This article explores the dugong in the Red Sea from a scientific and ecological perspective—its taxonomy, evolutionary history, ecological role, population distribution, threats, and conservation efforts.
Taxonomy and Evolutionary Background
Classification of the Dugong
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Kingdom: Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class: Mammalia
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Order: Sirenia
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Family: Dugongidae
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Genus: Dugong
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Species: Dugong dugon
The dugong is the only surviving member of the Dugongidae family, making it unique among marine mammals. Its closest relatives, the manatees (family Trichechidae), inhabit freshwater and coastal marine environments in the Americas and West Africa.
Evolutionary History
Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia, a group of fully aquatic herbivorous mammals that appeared around 50 million years ago. Fossil records suggest that their ancestors were once semi-aquatic, feeding on vegetation near shorelines, before evolving into specialised marine grazers.
Unlike whales and dolphins, which adapted for predation, sirenians developed as slow moving herbivores dependent on seagrass ecosystems. This evolutionary path highlights their ecological importance as one of the few large marine species that feed directly on plants.
Ecological Role of Dugongs in the Red Sea
Seagrass Dependency
Dugongs are obligate herbivores, feeding almost exclusively on seagrass species such as Halophila and Halodule. Their diet shapes the health of seagrass meadows, which in turn are critical habitats for numerous marine organisms, including juvenile fish, sea turtles, and invertebrates.
By grazing selectively, dugongs prevent overgrowth, promote seagrass regeneration, and increase meadow biodiversity. This process—known as “grazing optimisation” maintains ecosystem resilience.
Ecosystem Engineers
Scientists often refer to dugongs as “ecosystem engineers”. Their feeding behaviour disturbs the sediment, aerates the seabed, and encourages nutrient cycling. This benefits not only seagrass but also the broader marine environment.
Contribution to Carbon Sequestration
Healthy seagrass beds are powerful carbon sinks, storing up to 18% of the world’s oceanic carbon. By maintaining seagrass meadows, dugongs indirectly contribute to climate change mitigation, making their survival critical in global ecological terms.
Population Status and Distribution in the Red Sea
Geographic Range
Globally, dugongs are found in over 40 countries within the Indo-Pacific. In the Red Sea, their distribution is patchy, limited mainly to the southern Egyptian coastline, where seagrass meadows are most abundant.
Key Locations in Egypt
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Marsa Alam – Abu Dabbab Bay is one of the most reliable places where dugongs are sighted.
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El Quseir – Another area with rich seagrass meadows and occasional dugong encounters.
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Wadi El Gemal National Park – A protected area where dugongs are occasionally monitored.
Population Estimates
The population of dugongs in the Red Sea is extremely small compared to regions such as northern Australia. Estimates suggest that only a few hundred individuals remain in Egyptian waters. Their rarity makes each sighting significant for both research and conservation.
Behavior and Biology
Physical Characteristics
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Average length: 2.5–3 meters
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Weight: 250–400 kilograms
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Distinguishing feature: Dolphin-like fluked tail (different from the rounded tail of manatees)
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Lifespan: Up to 70 years in optimal conditions
Social Structure
Dugongs are primarily solitary, though mothers and calves form strong bonds, and small groups occasionally gather in seagrass-rich areas. Unlike dolphins, they do not form large pods or display overtly social behaviour.
Reproduction
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Sexual maturity: Between 6 and 17 years
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Gestation: Around 13–15 months
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Calf dependency: Up to 18 months of nursing
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Reproductive rate: One calf every 3–7 years
This extremely slow reproductive cycle makes dugongs especially vulnerable to population decline, as recovery from losses takes decades.
Major Environmental Threats
Habitat Loss and Degradation
Coastal development, dredging, and pollution threaten seagrass meadows. Seagrass beds are highly sensitive to water quality, requiring sunlight penetration and stable sediment conditions. Increased turbidity, nutrient runoff, and oil spills significantly reduce their health.
Fishing Practices
Bycatch in fishing nets is a major cause of dugong mortality worldwide. In the Red Sea, entanglement in gillnets and trawl nets poses significant risks, especially given the small population size.
Boat Strikes
Tourism-related boat traffic in shallow lagoons often overlaps with dugong feeding grounds. Collisions with propellers can cause fatal injuries.
Climate Change
Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events affect seagrass ecosystems. Warmer waters may reduce seagrass growth, while stronger storms can uproot entire meadows.
Small Population Size
With such limited numbers in the Red Sea, dugongs face a high risk of local extinction. Each mortality represents a significant blow to long-term population survival.
Research and Conservation Initiatives
Protected Areas in Egypt
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Wadi El Gemal National Park – Encompasses critical dugong habitat and is part of Egypt’s commitment to marine conservation.
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Abu Dabbab Bay Regulations—Local dive centres follow guidelines to reduce disturbance to dugongs, including limiting boat access and enforcing “no-touch” rules.
International Agreements
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Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
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Protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
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Covered by the CMS (Convention on Migratory Species), highlighting the need for international cooperation.
Ongoing Research
Marine biologists in Egypt and abroad conduct monitoring programmes to estimate dugong numbers, map seagrass beds, and study dugong behaviour through satellite tracking. These efforts help identify priority conservation zones.
The Future of Dugongs in the Red Sea
Conservation Priorities
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Seagrass Protection—Ensuring water quality and preventing habitat destruction.
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Tourism Management – Enforcing strict guidelines to minimise human disturbance.
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Community Engagement – Educating local communities about the ecological and cultural value of dugongs.
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Long-term Monitoring – Regular surveys to track population trends and identify emerging threats.
A Symbol of Fragility and Hope
Dugongs are living indicators of ecosystem health. Their survival reflects the well-being of seagrass meadows and coastal marine environments. Protecting dugongs in the Red Sea is not only about saving a species but also about preserving the integrity of an entire ecosystem that supports biodiversity, fisheries, and local livelihoods.
Conclusion
The dugong is more than a rare marine mammal of the Red Sea—it is a keystone species whose fate is tied to the health of seagrass meadows and the resilience of marine ecosystems. With their slow reproduction, small population, and dependence on fragile habitats, dugongs represent one of the most vulnerable marine mammals in the world.
Their conservation in the Red Sea requires an integrated approach that combines scientific research, environmental protection, and sustainable human activity. Protecting them ensures not only the survival of a species but also the preservation of a marine legacy that has existed for millions of years.
For researchers, conservationists, and environmental enthusiasts, the dugong remains both a challenge and an inspiration—an emblem of the need to balance human progress with the stewardship of our oceans.
