Dugong (Dugong dugon) is a marine mammal known for its distinct appearance, resembling a large, greyish-brown sea cow with a fluked tail and paddle-like flippers. It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae. Dugongs are herbivorous, feeding primarily on sea grasses in warm coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. They play a critical role in marine ecosystems by promoting sea grass diversity and distribution through grazing.
Classification of the Dugong:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Sirenia
Family: Dugongidae
Genus: Dugong
Species: D. dugon
This classification highlights the dugong's unique position in the animal kingdom, being closely related to other sirenians like manatees but distinguished by its genus and species within the family Dugongidae.
