Dugong | Marine Life Mauritius

🐬 Marine Mammals

Dugong

Dugong dugon

Presence

Rare

Dugong in Mauritius: The Ocean's Most Elusive Gentle Giant

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is the only fully aquatic herbivorous mammal in the world and the sole surviving member of the family Dugongidae. In Mauritius, dugong sightings are extraordinarily rare, but the island's warm, shallow coastal lagoons and seagrass beds provide the precise habitat these animals require. When a dugong does appear in Mauritian waters, it creates an almost mythical moment for any diver, snorkeler, or boater fortunate enough to witness it.

Identifying the Dugong

Dugongs are large, rotund marine mammals that can reach lengths of up to 3 metres and weigh over 400 kilograms. Their skin is smooth and grey-brown, their snouts are broad and downturned — perfectly adapted for grazing on seagrass — and their tails are distinctly whale-like, forming a fluked, crescent-shaped fin. Unlike manatees, their closest relatives, dugongs have a notched tail fluke rather than a paddle-shaped one. Males may also develop short tusks as they mature. These physical features, combined with their slow, lumbering grace, make dugongs instantly recognisable in the water.

Behaviour and Diet

Dugongs are almost exclusively herbivorous, feeding primarily on seagrass meadows in shallow coastal waters typically no deeper than 10 metres. A large adult dugong can consume up to 40 kilograms of seagrass per day, leaving distinctive feeding trails visible on the sandy seafloor. They are generally solitary animals, though small groups have occasionally been observed. Dugongs breathe at the surface every 1–3 minutes, making them occasionally visible from boats in calm, clear conditions. They are calm and non-aggressive but are also naturally shy and may move away when approached too quickly.

Dugong Habitat in Mauritius

Mauritius is not a core range territory for dugongs, which is why sightings here are so rare and precious. The species' primary strongholds lie in the Red Sea, East Africa, and Australian waters. However, sporadic individuals have been documented around Mauritius and the broader Mascarene archipelago, likely drawn to the island's healthy seagrass beds found within protected lagoons on the western and northern coasts. These shallow, sheltered areas — particularly around Blue Bay Marine Park in the south and the lagoons near Tamarin Bay — offer the most suitable dugong habitat on the island.

Conservation Status and Threats

The dugong is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with populations declining across much of their range. The key threats facing dugongs include habitat loss from coastal development and pollution that degrades seagrass meadows, boat strike injuries, accidental entanglement in fishing nets, and climate change-driven seagrass die-offs. In Mauritius, where sightings are already rare, any individual dugong that does appear in local waters deserves the highest level of protection and respectful distance. Mauritius has marine protected areas in place, such as Blue Bay Marine Park, which help safeguard the seagrass ecosystems these animals depend upon.

Tips for Responsible Dugong Encounters

Maintain distance: Stay at least 30 metres away from any dugong you encounter. Never chase or attempt to touch them.
Slow your boat: Reduce vessel speed in shallow lagoon areas to minimise the risk of boat strikes.
Snorkel quietly: Avoid splashing or sudden movements that could stress the animal and cause it to flee.
Report sightings: If you spot a dugong in Mauritius, report it to the Albion Fisheries Research Centre to contribute to local population monitoring.
Support conservation: Choose dive operators who adhere to responsible marine wildlife guidelines and support seagrass restoration efforts.

Why the Dugong Matters

As a keystone species of seagrass ecosystems, the dugong plays a critical role in maintaining the health of coastal habitats that support hundreds of other marine species. Their feeding activity promotes seagrass growth and diversity, creating richer environments for fish, invertebrates, and other wildlife. In Mauritius, where marine biodiversity is among the richest in the Indian Ocean, protecting the conditions that could support dugongs — even occasionally — is a vital part of preserving the island's extraordinary natural heritage.

FAQ

Are there dugongs living permanently in Mauritius?

There is no confirmed resident population of dugongs in Mauritius. Sightings are extremely rare and likely involve solitary individuals that have wandered into Mauritian waters from broader Indian Ocean populations. The island's seagrass habitats can support visiting dugongs, but Mauritius is not considered a core population stronghold for this species.

Where is the best place to see a dugong in Mauritius?

The most likely areas for a rare dugong encounter in Mauritius are the shallow seagrass-rich lagoons of Blue Bay Marine Park in the south and the calm waters around Tamarin Bay on the west coast. These areas offer the protected, shallow-water seagrass meadows that dugongs require for feeding. That said, any sighting remains an exceptional stroke of luck.

What should I do if I see a dugong while diving or snorkeling in Mauritius?

If you are lucky enough to encounter a dugong, maintain a respectful distance of at least 30 metres, move calmly and slowly, and never attempt to touch or chase the animal. Observe quietly and allow the dugong to continue its natural behaviour undisturbed. After your encounter, report the sighting to the Albion Fisheries Research Centre in Mauritius to help researchers track this rare species.