The dugong is the sea cow species that lives in the Great Barrier Reef’s seagrass habitats.
Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals that feed mainly on seagrasses in shallow tropical waters. The Great Barrier Reef region supports important dugong habitat, although populations face pressures from habitat loss, pollution, hunting in some areas and accidental capture.
Dugongs are related to manatees, but they are not the same animal. Dugongs have a deeply forked, whale-like tail, whereas manatees have a rounded paddle-shaped tail. Dugongs are also the only living species in the family Dugongidae.
Healthy seagrass meadows are essential for dugongs and many other animals. Damage from storms, poor water quality and coastal development can reduce available feeding grounds.