Thailand’s Koh Libong Struggles to Save Dugongs and Seagrass

KOH LIBONG, THAILAND – Facing a critical situation, the island community of Koh Libong in Thailand is working to protect its dwindling dugong population and restore degraded seagrass meadows. Compounding threats – including boat traffic, coastal disturbances, and complex underlying causes of seagrass decline – are hindering conservation efforts, despite government initiatives and community-led projects like seagrass transplantation and citizen science programs. While recent surveys indicate a small population of 33 dugongs, including mother-calf pairs, vigilance remains crucial, and the long-term survival of these vulnerable marine mammals depends on coordinated action and continued community involvement.

[Source: Mongabay - Carolyn Cowan, May 16, 2024]