Dugongs

The endangered dugong is nature's only vegetarian sea mammal. They resemble a walrus, related to the elephant, called a sea-cow and growing to three metres and weighing up to 400 kilograms. Around the world, dugongs have been hunted to near extinction. It is estimated that 10,000 dugongs live in the waters of Shark Bay, representing 10 per cent of the world's remaining population. Shark Bay is one of the world’s largest and most secure population of this endangered mammal species. Closely linked with the mermaid myth, these alert, shy and curious creatures can live up to 70 years. Dugongs have a very low reproductive rate. Females don't produce their first calves until 12 to 17 years of age. Tours are available, offering visitors the unique opportunity to witness dugongs in the wild.