A Dugong dugon was found entangled in a fishing net in the coastal waters of Vidattaltivu, Kattalampiddy, in the Mannar District of the Northern Province on November 11, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Local fishermen who discovered the animal promptly removed the net and released it back into the sea.
The dugong, estimated to weigh between 300–350 kilograms, had been accidentally trapped approximately 4.25 kilometres offshore.
Due to ongoing public awareness efforts by wildlife officers regarding threatened species, the fishermen were able to identify the dugong and take swift action to release it safely, in accordance with proper conservation procedures.
The animal was observed swimming back into the ocean without any external injuries. The owner of the fishing vessel and his crew were involved in this rescue effort.
It is classified as a highly protected marine species under Sri Lanka’s Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. The Dugong dugon species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Sightings of Dugong dugon in Sri Lanka are extremely rare. They are primarily found along the northern and northwestern coastal belt, especially in areas like Mannar and Palk Bay. These regions contain seagrass beds, which serve as the dugong’s main food source, making them ideal habitats. (Newswire)