Villagers find beheaded dugong in Phuket, sparking marine safety concerns

A grim discovery unfolded when villagers found a beheaded dugong floating near the shores of Baan Bang Rong, Phuket. Officials were promptly called to investigate the incident, which has sparked concerns about marine life safety and illegal poaching activities.

The report of the gruesome find reached the local police station yesterday, November 14. Nopadol Tonmanee, an investigator at Thalang Police Station, was informed by locals about the dugong carcass, prompting him to coordinate with the Upper Andaman Marine Resources Research and Development Centre and the 10th Regional Marine and Coastal Resources Office. The aim was to facilitate the removal and further examination of the marine animal’s remains.

The dugong, scientifically known as Dugong dugon, was identified as an adult male. Measuring 223 centimetres in length, excluding its missing head, the animal weighed approximately 250 kilogrammes.

Despite the unfortunate state of its body, the dugong was considered to be in moderately poor condition, with a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 2 out of 5, indicating it was not in optimal health before its demise.

An external examination of the carcass revealed that the dugong‘s neck had been severed by a sharp instrument, with the head completely detached at the first cervical vertebra. This significant finding points towards human interference, reported KhaoSod.

Additionally, the dugong’s skin exhibited various marks, including scratches likely caused by interactions within its herd and barnacle infestations across its body. Abrasions and a constriction mark were also observed around its right flipper, raising further questions about the circumstances leading to its death.

In related news, Thailand’s beloved dugongs are in dire straits, prompting an urgent meeting by the National Policy and Planning Committee on Marine and Coastal Resources Management. Led by Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, the focus was squarely on the alarming rise in dugong deaths.