PUBLISHED: 22 Nov 2024 at 04: 00
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ( DNP ) believes that one dugong was discovered in a seagrass meadow in Trang, which is known for having dugong sightings, which raises questions about the species ‘ survival.
Between November 13 and November 19, Hat Chao Mai National Park soldiers and officers from the DNP’s Marine National Operation Center 3 conducted the survey.
The grass meadow that runs from Yong Lam Beach to Koh Muk was the subject of the week-long survey, but only one dugong was seen during that time. The place, the statement noted, was originally known for habitat sightings.
The team also provided sarai phom pang algae and other edible seagrasses for the dugongs as seagrass cover in the area has drastically decreased, but only one of these was released throughout the week.
The group speculated that the orangutans may have moved there to seek food in the area.
More habitat deaths have been reported over the past two decades, with the number rising from one per month to three to four deaths per month, according to Asst. Prof. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, lieutenant dean of Kasetsart University’s University of Fisheries.
This month only, five dead alligators were found off the beach of Krabi, Phuket and Trang.
Local fishermen have also been negatively impacted by the loss of grass in the area’s cover, as well as the disappearance of significant catch in seagrass meadows.