A LIFELESS dugong, also known as a sea cow, was discovered along the coastline of Sitio Tuwang, Barangay Calian, Don Marcelino, on March 12, 2025.
Resident Gondino Mulao Jr. reported the sighting to authorities around 9 a.m. The marine mammal measured 1.9 meters in length, had a body circumference of 40 inches, and weighed approximately 200 kilograms.
Officials from various agencies, including the Provincial Veterinary Regulatory Services, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro), the Don Marcelino Livestock Coordinator, and the Davao Occidental Provincial Agriculture Office (Pagro-Davao Occidental) were deployed to assess the situation.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of death to prevent similar incidents involving endangered species in the future.
In a statement posted on March 13, the Davao Occidental Provincial Tourism Office (Dopto) emphasized the importance of protecting the province’s marine biodiversity.
“The presence of dugongs highlights the rich marine biodiversity of Davao Occidental, reinforcing the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts,” Dopto stated.
The office vowed to continue its advocacy for marine and wildlife conservation to ensure future generations can still witness these creatures in their natural habitat.
Dopto also called the incident a wake-up call, underscoring the urgency of protecting ocean life.
Dugongs have been classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List since 1982. Their global population continues to decline due to habitat loss, hunting, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear.
Under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 55 of 1991, hunting dugongs is strictly prohibited. This protection was further reinforced by the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2001, which bans the killing, capturing, or possessing of any protected wildlife in the Philippines. RGP