Your wildlife photography guide.
Explore the dugong in detail, study its behavior, prepare your shots.
Where to observe and photograph the dugong in the wild
Learn where and when to spot the dugong in the wild, how to identify the species based on distinctive features, and what natural environments it inhabits. The WildlifePhotographer app offers tailored photography tips that reflect the dugong’s behavior, helping you capture better wildlife images. Explore the full species profile for key information including description, habitat, active periods, and approach techniques.
Dugong
Scientific name: Dugong dugon
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: TRIYCHIDAE
Group: Marine mammals
Sensitivity to human approach: Suspicious
Minimum approach distance: 10 m
Reproductive period: January to December
Duration: 45 à 60 jours
Births: January to December
Habitat:
Shallow coastal waters
Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.
Identification and description:
The Dugong is a marine mammal and herbivore primarily found in warm, shallow coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and Pacific. Closely related to manatees, it is more agile, with a streamlined body designed for swimming. The Dugong feeds on seagrasses, primarily seagrass species, which it pulls from the ocean floor. Although a protected species, the Dugong is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, accidental fishing, and climate change.
Recommended lens:
300 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.
Photography tips:
Photograph the Dugong using a telephoto lens to capture its streamlined body and fluid movements in the water. When taking the shot, favor calm periods, early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the water is clear and the light is soft. Avoid getting too close to avoid disturbing the animal. Patience is key to observing this discreet mammal.
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