Dugong (Dugong dugon) are the only marine mammals that consume sea grass as their primary food source. Since 2019, authorities in West Kalimantan have received reports from local community members of dugong sightings, especially in the waters surrounding Cempedak Island. However, the actual existence of Dugong in the area was only confirmed in May 2020 by the Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BKSDA) when a dugong rescue was carried out. From January 23 to March 23, 2021, a systematic survey of dugongs was undertaken around Cempedak Island in order to further assess the presence of dugongs in the area. The dugong surveys used two different methods: observations from the coast (edge-based) and boat-based observations. Both surveys were carried out for 15 days each. Semi-structured interviews were also carried out in coastal communities to gather local ecological knowledge and perceptions of dugongs. The edge-based observations yielded 16 different sightings with a total of 19 individuals, whereas boat-based observations resulted in 4 different sightings with a total 4 individuals. Our survey results revealed that the methods of observation’s used can have a significant correlation on the encounter rates of dugongs and should be taken into consideration in future studies. Concerningly, results from our community interviews indicated a decreasing trend in dugong sightings compared to previous years.

Richard Moore

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SURVEY OF DUGONGS (Dugong dugon) ON CEMPEDAK ISLAND, WEST KALIMANTAN