Humans Pose Increasing Threat to Dugongs in the Andaman Sea.

Phuket: Recently, dugongs have been found dying in the Andaman Sea in increasing numbers, causing concern that dugongs may become extinct in the future. In particular, the latest discovery was a dugong found dead in the Phuket sea with its head cut off. It is believed that hunters wanted its tusks. According to Thai News Agency, the alarming rise in dugong deaths has prompted environmentalists to call for immediate action to protect these gentle marine mammals. The specific incident in Phuket, where the dugong was discovered with its head severed, underscores the severity of the threat posed by human activities, particularly illegal hunting for tusks. The dugong, a marine mammal closely related to the manatee, is already listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures. The increasing number of deaths in the Andaman Sea has heightened fears that these animals may face extinction if protective measures are not intensified. Efforts are now underway to investigate the circumstances s urrounding these deaths and to strengthen conservation initiatives in the region. Authorities and conservation groups are urging the public to report any suspicious activities that may harm the dugong population, as part of a broader strategy to safeguard their future.