Australia has been identified as a global sanctuary for dugongs, following a major international report warning species are nearing extinction across much of their natural range.
Researchers from James Cook University (JCU), working with more than 70 experts across 40 nations, have published The Global Assessment of Dugong Status and Conservation Needs — the most comprehensive review of dugong populations in two decades.
The report identifies where dugongs are thriving, disappearing or already extinct, and finds that northern Australia is a refuge for the species.
"The dugong is such a widely distributed animal, and its status is very diverse," explained Emeritus Professor Helene Marsh from JCU TropWATER, who led the international study.
"There are places, like China and Japan, where it's close to extinction. There are places in East Africa, like Mauritius, where it is already extinct. And then there are places like northern Australia and the southern Arabian Gulf, where there are still significant populations.
"Dugongs in northern Australian waters are the largest and most resilient anywhere in the world."
With an estimated 166,000 dugongs and the greatest genetic diversity of any global population, Australia is highlighted as a key to the species' long-term survival.
According to Prof Marsh, the reason behind the success of the Australian dugong populations comes down to our unique geographical and economic setting.
"We've got three things going for us: a huge shallow northern shelf habitat with vast seagrass beds, very low human population density, and wealth — we can afford to buy out gillnetting. No one else in the world can do that," she said.
The report highlights that new population estimates are higher than previously thought — mostly thanks to improved aerial survey methods rather than population increase — and identifies 33 Important Marine Mammal Areas where urgent conservation action is needed.
It also calls for expanded seagrass mapping, under the United Nations' 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough, to secure the dugong's essential habitat.
"Dugongs are quite cryptic animals. They're not always easy to see and they are hard to monitor," said Prof Marsh.
"It's very important to know where their habitat is."
Despite the good news for Australia and parts of the Arabian Gulf, the overall message is sobering. Habitat loss and accidental drowning in fishing nests remain major threats.
"This means the rest of the world is looking to work with Australia in research, protection and recovery.
"Because of our long history of dugong research, scientists are wanting to work with us, and we want to work with and learn from them too," said Prof Marsh.
The report urges stronger international cooperation through the Dugong Memorandum of Understanding under the Convention on Migratory Species to safeguard remaining populations.
