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| Dugongs of the Bazaruto Archipelago - Photos courtesy of dugong.org |
Part of a National Park & a World Heritage site, the islands of
the Bazaruto Archipelago lie off the coast of Mozambique & can be seen from
mainland Vilanculos. 4 of the 5 islands which make up the Archipelago (namely Bazaruto, Benguerra, Margaruque, Santa
Carolina & Bangue) are visible from Casa Rex. The shallow, protected coastal
waters between the sand-dunes of the islands & the mainland are home to the
dugong – the rare & unusual marine mammal, whose last viable population
lives in the western Indian Ocean.
Interesting to note:
- Ø The dugongs’ half fish & half mammal appearance may have inspired the concept & sea-faring stories of mermaids & sirens.
- Ø They are often referred to as sea-cows with a diet that consists largely of sea grass, but are actually more closely related to the elephant.
- Ø Dugongs can stay underwater for 6 minutes before surfacing & can breathe by standing on their tails with their heads above water.
- Ø The difference between a dugong & a manatee is the dugong’s fluked tail, which is much like that of a whale.
Sadly, the dugong population is under threat – from a combination of:
habitat loss from the silting of sea grass beds, pollution, boat traffic &
illegal hunting especially in developing countries. They have been listed as vulnerable
by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species &
international trade in dugongs is banned by its listing on Appendix I of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The United
Nations Environment Program has also addressed the status & protection of
the dugong.
Like to get a glimpse of a
dugong? Contact us for information on year-round dhow safari
options to the islands. We’ll be happy to accommodate you at Casa Rex or Sol Resorts Rentals!
Want to help? See www.dugong.org Through conservation efforts, education
(via the “Observe, Preserve and Conserve” initiative), research & the recruitment of
sponsors & ambassadors, they are doing all they can to:
(i) in the long term
provide a better & broader understanding of the conservation and
sustainability of the marine environment; and
(ii) more immediately, save these
gentle mermaids of the sea from extinction.
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