UPDATE
A large seemingly-healthy dugong feeding close to Phuket has died, possibly from propeller cuts to the head. Marine biologists plan an autopsy.
Original Report
PHUKET: Three rare dugong have been spotted this week off Phuket's east coast Cape Yamu, feeding on sea grass.
A Phuketwan photographer joined local fishermen and got close to one today.
The dugong weighed about 300 kilos and was perhaps 2.5 metres in length.
The creature appeared to be in reasonable health despite some propeller cuts across its back.
Marine biologists from the Phuket Marine Biological Centre hoped to get close enough to spray the dugong's wounds in the hope of assisting the healing process.
Dugongs are believed to have once inhabited Phuket waters in larger numbers. Tourism and the destruction of their natural habitat and seagrass have made them a rarer sight today.
bangla for pictures asap!
Posted by nolorinohoni on November 6, 2012 19:01