Herd of dugongs sighted off the coast of Thai island
23 April, 2020
Mesmerising aerial images confirmed a herd greater than 30 dugongs drifting serenely off the coast of a Thai island about Wednesday (Apr 22).
Thailand's tourism industry has got taken a battering since the outbreak of the coronavirus, positioning millions out of careers following the pandemic paralysed global travel.
However the slowdown in visitor foot traffic has taken a wildlife revival along shorelines and waterways, including information this week of record numbers of leatherback turtle nests on the country's deserted beaches.
Drone images released by the Countrywide Marine Park Operation Middle showed the dugongs sunning themselves beneath distinct turquoise waters away the coast of southern Libong island.
The slow-moving sea creatures, closely linked to the manatee, are classified as a vulnerable species.
Thailand has not always been a safe haven for wildlife, with plastic material waste choking marine lifestyle and water pollution from boat traffic damaging habitats.
This past year, an orphaned baby dugong was located stranded on a beach in southern Thailand, successful hearts nationwide as conservationists fought to keep it alive.
It died months later from an infection worsened by bits of rubbish lining its abdomen, reviving public debate about Thailand's urgent have to tackle its plastic addiction.
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