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Dugong dugon Numenius madagascariensis
Also known as a “sea cow”, this slow-moving, herbivorous
marine mammal grazes the seagrass beds in Moreton
Bay’s waters. Sadly, seagrass is now diminishing as a result
of siltation and nutrient runoff caused by urbanisation,
industry and agriculture. The Dugong is classed as
Vulnerable worldwide and has a decreasing population. 3,000 Far Eastern Curlews overwinter at Moreton Bay, the
final stop on their incredible southward migration. Here,
they rest and build up essential fat stores needed to return
to their breeding grounds in the Arctic. Juveniles can spend
up to two years here, learning the foraging skills they will
need for life.
JUL-SEP 2019 • BIRDLIFE
11