Dugong dugonfeeding in tropical Australian seagrass meadows: implications for conservation planning

Author:

Tol Samantha J.12,Coles Rob G.1,Congdon Bradley C.2

Affiliation:

1. Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook University,, Cairns,, Queensland,, Australia

2. College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University,, Cairns,, Queensland,, Australia

Abstract

Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are listed as vulnerable to extinction due to rapid population reductions caused in part by loss of seagrass feeding meadows. Understanding dugong feeding behaviour in tropical Australia, where the majority of dugongs live, will assist conservation strategies. We examined whether feeding patterns in intertidal seagrass meadows in tropical north-eastern Australia were related to seagrass biomass, species composition and/or nitrogen content. The total biomass of each seagrass species removed by feeding dugongs was measured and compared to its relative availability. Nitrogen concentrations were also determined for each seagrass species present at the sites. Dugongs consumed seagrass species in proportion to their availability, with biomass being the primary determining factor. Species composition and/or nitrogen content influenced consumption to a lesser degree. Conservation plans focused on protecting high biomass intertidal seagrass meadows are likely to be most effective at ensuring the survival of dugong in tropical north-eastern Australia.

Publisher

PeerJ

Subject

General Agricultural and Biological Sciences,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,General Medicine,General Neuroscience

Reference45 articles.

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