Humpback dolphins provide protection for endangered young dugongs

Researchers recently captured a rare moment on camera when a dugong was seen swimming with Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins off the coast of Cambodia. This unusual interaction between a young endangered dugong and another species left scientists puzzled. The dugong calf was observed among the humpback dolphin pod, a behavior that is not commonly seen in the wild. Dugongs and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are both endangered species, making this encounter even more intriguing.

Dugongs, also known as Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins, typically stick close to their mothers. The distinctive physical features of dugongs, such as their dark gray color and round faces, make them stand out in a group of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, which are pink with long noses. Researchers from Marine Conservation Cambodia captured this rare moment and shared it on social media, noting that such interactions usually occur only during feeding in the same area.

Becky Chambers, a marine mammal conservation scientist with MCC, expressed excitement at the sighting of the young dugong during their surveys in Cambodian waters. However, the reason behind this unique behavior remains unknown. Both dugongs and humpback dolphins face threats to their populations, with dugongs often getting caught in fishing nets. The fragmented populations of dugongs further highlight their endangered status, as reported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The photo taken by the research team showed a dugong calf displaying all the characteristics of its species, ruling out any possibilities of hybridization with Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. The scientists are uncertain about the intentions of the humpback dolphins towards the young dugong. While both species have been observed engaging in alloparenting, caring for young not related to them, the scientists suspect that the dolphins may be acting aggressively due to competition for resources. Nevertheless, the young dugong was seen alive nearly a month later, suggesting that it had survived its time with the humpback dolphins.