Dugong Becomes , First Large Mammal, Declared Extinct in China.<br />A new study published on August 24 says , “this is the first functional extinction of <br />a large mammal in China’s coastal waters.”.<br />A new study published on August 24 says , “this is the first functional extinction of <br />a large mammal in China’s coastal waters.”.<br />Research from the Zoological Society of London and the Chinese Academy of Sciences attributes the extinction to fishing, ship strikes and human-caused habitat loss.<br />Research from the Zoological Society of London and the Chinese Academy of Sciences attributes the extinction to fishing, ship strikes and human-caused habitat loss.<br />The number of dugongs in China's <br />waters began to rapidly decrease <br />beginning in the 1970s.<br />The number of dugongs in China's <br />waters began to rapidly decrease <br />beginning in the 1970s.<br />Previously, the dugong had frequented China's southern waters for hundreds of years.<br />In 1988, the dugong was classified <br />as a Grade 1 National Key Protected <br />Animal by China's State Council.<br />According to the report, the dugong's marine habitat has been rapidly degraded by humans.<br />The International Union for Conservation <br />of Nature has listed the dugong as vulnerable.<br />It can still be found in coastal waters ranging from East Africa to Vanuatu and as far north as Japan. .<br />NBC reports that some believe the dugong <br />was the original inspiration for ancient <br />seafaring tales of mermaids and sirens.<br />NBC reports that some believe the dugong <br />was the original inspiration for ancient <br />seafaring tales of mermaids and sirens
