A dugong expert has said that despite being well out of its usual habitat, there is no need to worry about the dugong spotted in Merimbula Lake recently.
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The main habitat for dugongs in Australia is in the tropics and sub-tropics, from Shark Bay in Western Australia to Moreton Bay in Queensland.
However, there are some records of dugongs being seen in the Merimbula area, Amanda Hodgson, an expert in dugong behaviour at Murdoch University said.
“Dugongs tend to live in water temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius and upwards,” Dr Hodgson said. “We know that dugongs can travel hundreds of kilometres back and forth between sea grass patches.
“We know it has traveled a long way and has a long way to travel back so it is important the dugong is left alone to get the rest and nourishment it needs.”
Dr Hodgson said that despite a fair bit of scarring the dugong looks to be in good condition. But she said dugongs are very susceptible to boats and asked Lake users to take care until they are certain it has moved on.
