Critically endangered dugong found dead in Puerto Princesa

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro— A male dugong was found dead along the coast of Barangay Binduyan in Puerto Princesa on Oct. 8, according to a social media post by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development on Wednesday.

The Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), Philippine Coast Guard, and local officials examined the endangered marine mammal, and a necropsy found internal bleeding as the cause of death. 

According to a report, fishermen first spotted the dugong alive at around 7:30 a.m. and guided it toward deeper waters. However, they spotted the animal in the same area later that day, already dead.

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Authorities also documented wounds and scars on the dugong’s body but could not determine whether these contributed to its death.

After the examination and documentation, authorities properly disposed of the animal’s remains.

The dugong (Dugong dugon), a marine mammal that feeds mainly on seagrass, is classified as critically endangered under Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Resolution No. 23-967.

Authorities urged the public to report immediately sightings of injured, weakened, or stranded wildlife to ensure timely assessment and appropriate intervention.

Reports may be sent to the PCSDS Enforcement Team through Smart/Sun at 0931-964-2128, Globe at 0916-964-6919, or its landline at (048) 726-6627./coa