Dugongs

Overview

Dugongs and Manatees are both marine mammals and members of the Order Sirenia. There is only one species of Dugong and three species of Manatee.

Their body is similar to those of other marine mammals but stockier due to large stores of blubber. They have large, paddle-like front flippers. Manatees have a rounded tail and are found mostly around West Africa, West India and North America. The Dugong has a tail similar to a dolphin and most live from Moreton Bay in South East Queensland around the top of Australia and down to Shark Bay in Western Australia.