Many Western Pacific people hunt dugongs, large marine mammals associated with sea, land and air manateeTo provide supernatural assistance in catching the often elusive animals, the people of the Torres Strait Islands and some Kiwai groups off the south coast of New Guinea have previously created dugong hunting talismans.

Do humans eat dugongs?

Dugongs are a precious source Oil, Skin and Meat, the charcoal from their bones was used to make sugar. The practice was banned in 1965, with the exception of limited fishing by Aboriginal Australians, who used dugongs as a food source before European settlers arrived.

Why are dugongs endangered?

Dugong is Seagrass habitat loss or degradation threatened by coastal development or industrial activities that lead to water pollution. . . This makes it important to protect their shallow marine habitats. They are also often victims of bycatch, that is, accidentally entangled in fishing nets.

Are dugongs hunted?

Threats and Status Historically, dugongs may have been Look for meat almost everywhere in their range and oil, but the practice is now illegal in most countries (though it still happens quite often). Hunting in Arabia goes back at least 6,000 years and in the Torres Strait 4,000 years.

Do Aboriginals eat dugongs?

Traditional Australian hunting laws empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people hunting rights Dugongs, turtles and other protected or endangered species for personal, household or non-commercial public needs.

EWT Dugong

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