Population status of the Dugong in marine water of Phu Quoc and Con Dao National Parks

Abstract

In order to develop a rescue protocol for marine mammals in Vietnam, we assessed the population status of the Dugong, a globally vulnerable species, in the water of Con Dao and Phu Quoc National Parks, Vietnam, in the years 2021 and 2022. Based on direct observation using a canoe and SCUBA diving, we herein confirm that the marine water of Phu Quoc and Con Dao are vital habitats of the Dugong in Vietnam. A total of 74 sightings of the Dugong have been recorded in past of 23 years in the marine water of Con Dao National Park (average of 3.22 times per year), with nine reported deaths occurring throughout the year, predominantly between April and August, concentrated in Con Son bay and Six-Senses beach. Whereas, 42 sightings of the Dugong have been known in Phu Quoc National Park over 20 years (average of 2.00 times per year), with no record of natural deaths and predominantly observed from April to December along Ham Ninh and Ong Doi beach. This comprehensive research is a scientific basis for advancing the conservation of the Dugong species inhabiting these two offshore islands.