Dugong found dead ashore in Puerto Princesa City

A dugong – also known as a sea cow – was found dead in Barangay San Rafael in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan with wounds believed to have been caused by a vessel propeller.

In a social media post, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) said the carcass of the dugong was washed ashore near a resort on Sunday, April 26.

The male dugong was 246 centimeters long and is believed to have died three days ago.

“Sa paunang pagsusuri, natagpuan ang mga sugat na pinaghihinalaang dulot ng propeller ng bangka at mga marka na dulot ng pagkakasabit sa lambat,” thePCSD said.

(During initial examination, wounds suspected to have been caused by a boat propeller were found, along with marks believed to have resulted from entanglement in a fishing net.)

A necropsy was conducted, but further detailed examination was no longer possible since the dugong was in an advanced state of decomposition.

The PCSD reminded the public to be careful and responsible in protecting marine wildlife and ecosystems.

“Bagama’t mahalaga ang ating kabuhayan, nawa’y maging maganda ang ating pakikitungo sa iba pang organismo na kasama natin sa mundo upang mapanatili ang balanse ng ating ekosistema,” it said.

(While our livelihood is important, we should still treat other organisms properly to help maintain the balance of our ecosystem.)

The body also urged the public to be on alert and to cooperate with authorities in protecting and preserving the environment.

The public may report illegal environmental activities in Palawan through the following numbers:

• Central: 09513208791
• South: 09169546919
• North: 09125753527
• Calamian: 09076605619

— JMA, GMA News