Dugong proves it isn’t camera shy at Kampung Sim Sim

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The dugong that was spotted in the waters around Kampung Sim Sim, Sandakan. 

SANDAKAN: A dugong has been spotted in waters surrounding Kampung Sim Sim here on Wednesday.

Sandakan Wildlife Department officer Hussein Muin said in a statement here today that the Wildlife Rescue Unit had visited the area to check on the dugong.

After discussing with Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) Marine Faculty, it was decided that UMS will send researchers to collect more data on the protected species before further action could be taken.

Locals, especially the villagers of Kampung Sim Sim, have been urged to cooperate in the conservation effort of the dugong.

The marine mammal can still be seen hanging around the same area where it was first spotted.

The average dugong has a long lifespan of 70 years or more, and a slow rate of reproduction. They are herbivorous and feed mainly on sea-grass, but have been hunted close to extinction for their meat and oil.

They are protected here under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.