NOTE REGARDING THE DUGONG IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 



By Alvin Seale 

 (From the Section of Ichthyology, Biological Laboratory, Bureau of Science, 



Manila, P. I.) 



ONE PLATE 



On August 8, 1913, Capt. Edward R. Nicholson, of the Phil- 

 ippine Constabulary, brought to the Bureau of Science a pair 

 of large tusks and some photographs of the Philippine dugong, 

 Dugong dugong Miiller (Plate I). The animal photographed 

 was caught by fishermen on Magalaua Island, near the town 

 of Palauig, Zambales Province, Luzon, in June, 1913. 



Captain Nicholson states that the flesh of the dugong is highly 

 valued as food by the people of Zambales. The tusks, which 

 Captain Nicholson kindly presented to the Bureau of Science, 

 are of smooth hard ivory, slightly curved, and somewhat flat- 

 tened on the inner surface; length, 164 millimeters; circum- 

 ference at base, 93 millimeters. Captain Nicholson stated that 

 these tusks were hidden in the skull and scarcely protruded into 

 the mouth. This specimen was a female about 2 meters in 

 length. It is believed that the dugong arrives on the coast of 

 Zambales during May and remains for about one month. 



Being desirous of finding out more about the habits of these 

 animals, and of securing a living specimen for the Bureau of 

 Science acquarium, I wrote to the senior inspector of constab- 

 ulary at Iba and received the following reply : 



Iba, Zambales, December 2U, 1913. 



Sir: In answer to a communication from your office dated August 8th 

 and addressed to Captain Nicholson, I have the honor to state that I visited, 

 about two months ago, the Island of Magalaua, situated near the town of 

 Palauig, this province, and where most of the sea cows are caught. I 

 could, however, make no definite arrangements about catching one or two 

 of their young. The people thought it might be done, but said it would 

 be difficult, as the animals — the young — were large and did not live as 

 long as an ordinary fish in the open air. They would set no price on the 

 undertaking, but said they would have a meeting and let me know. Up to 

 date nothing has been heard. 



They could tell me very little about the habits of the animals, but thought 

 they give birth along this coast. Said their eyes would undergo a trans- 

 formation as soon as they enter the open air, but supposed the vision would 

 return when they were put back into the water, if alive. They claim that 

 the eye apparently turns, instantly, to flesh when exposed to the open air. 



They are usually caught during the rainy season of the year. 

 Very respectfully, 



John L. F. Tharp. 

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