Dugongs ‘functionally extinct’ in China after decades of decline

A new report warns that the strange sea creature that inspired the mermaid tale is headed for extinction.

Dugongs, also known as “sea cows,” have not been seen in Chinese waters since 2008.

Half fish, half mammal, her curves appear feminine to lustful Old World sailors.

The “gentle giants” reach 10 feet in length and feed on seagrasses.

Co-author Professor Samuel Turvey from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) said:

“Their absence is not only devastating to ecosystem functioning, but also serves as a reminder that extinction may occur before effective conservation action can be implemented.”

Dugongs are threatened worldwide by human activities such as fishing, shipwrecks, and habitat loss.

Dugong records in Southeast Asia have declined rapidly since the 1970s.

Professor Turvey said:

“Our new study provides strong evidence for the regional loss of another charismatic species of aquatic mammal in China. It is.”

An international group has declared the dugong “functionally extinct.” This is the first example of such a large mammal in China’s coastal waters.

This complicates the prospects for the few survivors in the Indo-Pacific and Western Pacific.

Professor Turvey said: Our results indicate that the dugong is now functionally extinct in China due to human-induced degradation of seagrass beds and historical hunting.

“This tragic discovery reflects the history of the rapid extinction of the Steller’s sea cow, represents the first functional extinction of a large vertebrate in Chinese waters, and is a major threat to endangered marine mammals. It highlights the need for coping strategies.” evidence-based effective protection.

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, is based on interview surveys in 66 local fishing villages across four provinces along the South China Sea coast.

To generate more evidence for the possible existence of dugongs, the researchers also looked at historical data covering past distributions.

The dugong is the only plant that feeds strictly on marine mammals. Since 1988, it has been classified as a first-class important national protection animal by the State Council of China.

Dugongs inhabit the coastal waters of tropical and subtropical countries from eastern Africa to Vanuatu and the northern islands to southwestern Japan.

However, they are globally threatened and listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

ZSL’s EDGE of Existence program recognizes dugongs as a top priority for mammalian conservation, based on their evolutionary history.

Dugongs have been known to frequent the waters of southern China for hundreds of years.

The researchers say they welcome future evidence that dugongs may still be inhabiting China.

However, investigations have shown no recent sightings of dugongs in known habitats. The authors recommend reassessing the regional status of this species as endangered (possibly extinct).

Dugongs rely on seagrass, a specific marine habitat that is rapidly being degraded by human impact.

In China, seagrass recovery and restoration efforts are top conservation priorities, but recovery takes time, which dugongs lack.

Co-author Dr. Heidi Ma, from the ZSL Institute of Zoology, said:

“This not only demonstrates the usefulness of ecological knowledge in understanding the status of species, but also engages local communities and explores potential drivers of wildlife decline and possible mitigation strategies. It also helps me

Steller’s sea cows can grow to be 30 feet long and weigh 10 tons. They were not afraid of humans and died in the 18th century when they were targeted by harpoon hunters.

They were excellent swimmers and spent their days swimming for grass on the ocean floor using their crusty horn pads.

The species is named after the German explorer Georg Steller, who first documented its existence during a 1741 voyage.

The last individual was killed in 1768, 27 years after it was discovered by modern humans. A hunting expedition was doomed.

The giant animal belonged to a group of mammals known as the Sirenias, named after the sirens of Greek mythology.

Reports of Syrian sirens date back to 1000 BC. According to mythology, the beautiful fertility goddess Atargatis threw herself into the lake and became a mermaid.

With major conferences such as the CBD COP15 just around the corner, the ZSL urges world leaders to put nature at the center of all global decision-making and to ensure that biodiversity loss is reflected in more sustainable policy planning. wide. you are part of it.