Where Does Dugong Live?

Dugong lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Dugong

Water type

saltwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow, protected coastal waters, usually less than 10 meters (33 feet) deep, but can occasionally be found in waters up to 37 meters (121 feet) deep.

Environment

Warm, tropical and subtropical coastal waters, including bays, estuaries, mangrove channels, and sheltered reefs. They are highly dependent on extensive seagrass meadows for food.

Geographic range

Indo-Pacific region, from the east coast of Africa, including the Red Sea, across the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia. Their range has significantly contracted due to habitat loss and hunting.

Explore Dugong