Decapitated Dugong found on Thai beach

…Researched and contributed by Lola Smith.

Beachgoers in Thailand were shocked and dismayed this week when a decapitated dugong washed up on the shore of Koh Sriboya island.

Dugongs are a vulnerable species that are protected by law in most countries where they can be found, including Thailand.

The dugong with its head chopped off
The dugong with its head chopped off

The dead dugong measured around 2 metres in length and weighed 100kg, and according to Thaiger, only around 200 of these creatures remain in Thai waters.

Theories behind the decapitation

Theories surrounding the cause of the dugong’s death include the possibility that it was caught in a fisherman’s net and then had its head sliced off with a knife in order to free the rest of its body.

The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species considers dugongs vulnerable to extinction
The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species considers dugongs vulnerable to extinction

However, it is also possible that the creature was deliberately targeted for its tusks.

In Thailand, these tusks are believed to bring good luck and can be sold for a high price to the superstitious.

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Despite this, a village chief on the island insists that this act could not have been committed by a local, as the population works hard to preserve the animals and their main food source, seagrass.

Vulnerability of dugongs

Dugongs are a close relative of manatees and are part of the Sirenia order.

There are only four remaining species in this order after extinctions, including the dugong, the Amazonian manatee, the West Indian manatee, and the West African manatee.

The IUCN Red List of Endangered Species lists dugongs as being vulnerable to extinction due to hunting, habitat loss, and the threat posed by boats.

Investigation launched

An investigation has been launched into the death of the dugong, with a team from a rare species research centre in Trang province travelling to the area where the animal washed up.

The incident highlights the need for greater protection for vulnerable marine creatures like the dugong, as well as the importance of addressing superstitions and illegal hunting practices that threaten their survival.

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