BANGKOK, Thailand – Marine authorities have intensified efforts against dugong poaching after a mutilated dugong was found in Krabi’s Loh Yai Bay with its tusks removed. The discovery highlights the ongoing illegal wildlife trade driven by false beliefs in the supernatural properties of dugong tusks, tears, and fat. Officials have launched an investigation to identify those responsible and prevent further cases.
In response, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation have increased enforcement efforts. Authorities are expanding intelligence operations and strengthening surveillance in key dugong habitats. A recent meeting of the Joint Dugong Protection Operations Center resulted in additional conservation measures to protect the species.
Key strategies include training coastal officials in rescuing stranded dugongs, expanding community-based monitoring networks, and raising awareness among fishermen and tour operators. Marine safety measures have also been reinforced, with buoy markers placed in seagrass conservation zones to signal boats to reduce speed and minimize harm to dugongs.
Dugong populations remain under threat, with nearly 75% of recorded deaths between 2019 and 2025 linked to disease and malnutrition. The remainder resulted from fishing gear entanglement and vessel collisions, prompting calls for stricter protections in critical habitats.
Dugongs are classified as protected wildlife under Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 2019, making hunting, possession, or trade illegal. Offenders face up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to 1.5 million baht. (NNT)
