lems. Unfortunately, the pressures resulting from human popu- 

 lation growth are such that more must be done if the species' 

 continued existence and recovery are to be secured. During 

 1988, the Commission will continue to assist in the cooperative 

 efforts to address the complex and difficult issues on which 

 the welfare of this species rests. 



Palau Dugong (Dugong duaon) 



The dugong, the single surviving species of the family 

 Dugongidae, occurs throughout the shallow coastal waters of 

 the Indo-Pacific region in scattered populations. Due to 

 uncontrolled exploitation, the species has been severely de- 

 pleted or extirpated in many parts of its former range. For 

 example, local extinctions are documented around the Mascarene, 

 Laccadive, and Maldive Islands. The Red Data Book, maintained 

 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and 

 Natural Resources, lists the species as vulnerable; it is 

 designated as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered 

 Species Act. 



An isolated dugong population still occurs in waters 

 under U.S. jurisdiction around the Republic of Palau, about 850 

 km north of Papua New Guinea and 850 km east of the Philip- 

 pines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted aerial 

 surveys of the Belau population in 1977, 1978, and 1983. The 

 general distribution of dugongs appeared to change little 

 between these surveys. Maximum counts in 1978 and 1983 were 

 37 and 38 animals, respectively. However, the sensitivity of 

 the surveys probably was not great enough to detect any changes 

 in the size of the population. 



Data gathered from local fishermen indicate that dugong 

 are being taken illegally in greater numbers than the existing 

 population can possibly sustain. In addition, the possible 

 construction of U.S. military installations in the area could 

 lead to loss of dugong habitat that would greatly decrease 

 the population's chance for survival. Unless steps are taken 

 to ensure protection of the animals and their habitat, this 

 isolated population will likely become extinct in the near 

 future . 



The Marine Mammal Commission believes that steps must be 

 taken immediately if this unique and highly vulnerable dugong 

 population is to be preserved. Needed actions include long- 

 term monitoring of both dugong habitat and population levels; 

 implementation of a public education program; and reduction 

 in the level of human exploitation. During 1988, the Commission 

 intends to work with appropriate U.S., Palauan, and interna- 

 tional agencies to take necessary steps to protect and preserve 

 the threatened dugong population in Palauan waters. 



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