Sri Lanka Finds a Rare Dugong — Dead and Washed Ashore

Sri Lanka has discovered the carcass of a rare marine mammal — the dugong — a species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

The dead dugong was found washed ashore on Pesalai Beach in Mannar, northern Sri Lanka.

The male dugong, measuring 8 feet 2 inches in length, was first spotted by local fishermen and Navy personnel.

Wildlife officers who inspected the carcass confirmed the presence of several injuries on its underside, including an 11 cm belly wound and a 6 cm gash on the right side.

Wildlife experts noted that the wounds were caused by a sharp object, ruling out entanglement in fishing nets.

The dugong had died approximately two days before it was discovered on November 30.

Dugongs are the only remaining member of the family Dugongidae — a relic of evolution and a reminder of a time when certain mammals returned to the sea.

Sri Lanka Finds a Rare Dugong — But Washed Ashore Dead

At present, they face multiple threats: accidental capture in fishing gear, noise pollution from boats, degradation of seagrass habitats, water pollution, chemical contamination, and plastic debris.

As dugongs feed almost exclusively on seagrass, the protection and restoration of these ecosystems are vital for their survival.

Wildlife authorities stressed the ecological significance of dugongs and highlighted their untapped potential to contribute to eco-tourism in Sri Lanka’s coastal regions.