Appeal for help in dugong preservation drive

PHUKET TOWN: The Phuket Provincial Forestry Office has issued an appeal for people to help in a national survey of dugong. The aim is to preserve these slow-moving, vegetarian, marine mammals. Dugongs are one of the 15 species of animals protected by Thai law, but their numbers have diminished significantly over the past few years, partly because of destruction of habitat and food supply; partly through hunting; and partly through accidents such as speedboat collisions or drowning in nets intended to catch other marine life. The Forestry Department has therefore embarked on a project to educate the public about dugongs and their environment, and to come up with a plan for saving them from further attrition. Seventeen coastal provinces, including most of those in the South, are involved in the project. Anyone who has seen dugongs in Phuket waters, knows about their habits, or is currently engaged in a project concerning dugongs is urged to contact staff officer Pol Pitakij at the Phuket Provincial Forestry Office at 478 Phuket Rd, Phuket Town, (Tel: 211067).