Are There Dugongs In Florida? Exploring Floridas Coastal Mysteries

The historical presence of dugongs in Florida dates back to a remarkable period between 45 to 50 million years ago, as evidenced by the discovery of fossil ancestors closely related to the modern manatee. These ancient dugongs, now extinct, reveal a fascinating past where multiple species of these gentle marine mammals thrived in a wider range of habitats than what we observe today. The evolution of the modern manatee, from these ancient ancestors, began approximately 15 million years ago, shedding light on the long and complex history of these remarkable creatures in the region.

Are manatees the same as dugongs? This question often arises due to the close relationship between these two aquatic mammals. Dugongs (scientifically known as Dugong dugong) belong to the order Sirenia, just like manatees, making them distant relatives. However, there are notable differences between them. Dugongs possess a distinctive fluked tail, reminiscent of a whale’s, in contrast to the manatee’s rounded tail. Additionally, dugongs feature a large snout characterized by an upper lip that extends over their mouth, which is adorned with bristles instead of whiskers. These unique features set dugongs apart from their manatee counterparts and contribute to their distinct appearance and ecological niche. This clarification should help readers better understand the similarities and differences between manatees and dugongs.