Herd of endangered sea creatures — 23 strong — found thriving off Thailand coast
Researchers using drones to survey the waters off the coast of Thailand spotted a large herd of 23 dugongs — a sign conservation efforts are paying off, wildlife officials said.
The exciting discovery indicates this rare species is being sustained in the waters around Hat Chao Mai National Park, according to an April 27 Facebook post from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The herd, which included a mother and calf pair, was recorded feeding on seagrass beds near Libong and Muk Islands, officials said.
Researchers with the Third Marine National Park Research and Education Center observed the herd exhibit a variety of behaviors, including rolling, social grouping, and foraging, all of which are normal in healthy and content dugong populations, officials said.
The individuals scored between a two and three out of five on the Body Condition Score, meaning they are neither underweight nor overweight, experts said in the post.
Their breath rate was recorded at three to four breaths every five minutes, which is considered normal and healthy, experts said.
Researchers said the seagrass beds in the region — Halophila ovalis, or paddleweed — were thriving, which is a sign of long-term food security for the dugongs.
Wildlife officials said they will continue to advance conservation efforts in Hat Chao Mai National Park to ensure the survival of dugongs and their habitats.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the dugong as a vulnerable species, threatened by habitat loss and degradation.
Hat Chao Mai National Park is in southwestern Thailand on the Andaman Sea.
Translate GPT was used to translate the Facebook post from Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
This story was originally published April 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Herd of endangered sea creatures — 23 strong — found thriving off Thailand coast."
