364 WILD BEASTS OF THE WORLD 



are less numerous, not exceeding half-a-dozen in all. There are three 

 species of Dugongs, so much alike that they are hard to distinguish — 

 the Indian {Halicore australis), the Australian (H. austraUs), and that 

 of the Red Sea (H. tabernaculi). They are sea animals, though keeping 

 near the coasts, and feed upon sea-weed ; and one or other of them is 

 found from the Red Sea to Australia. As, like the Manatees,, they are 

 good for food and yield excellent oil, they have been much persecuted ; 

 and there is reason to fear that, as the Manatees themselves have been 

 much reduced by man's attacks, the whole of this harmless, interesting, 

 and useful order of animals will be exterminated unless reasonable 

 protection be given in time. 



