Rare footage reveals dugongs courting and mating in the middle of Trang's sea, reflecting the richness of Thailand's marine environment.
On 11 March 2026, it was reported that Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, disclosed that during the dugong population survey on 10 March 2026 at Yong Ling and Yong Lam beaches, Mr. Chutipong Polwat, head of the Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3 (Trang), reported that staff used drone technology to conduct aerial surveys at high tide and spotted two dugongs, a male and a female.
The male dugong was identified by a distinctive scratch above the base of its left tail, while the female carried barnacles on her body shaped like fishhooks. Both were in full healthy condition (BCS 3/5) and were naturally engaged in mating activities amid clear weather and calm seas.
“This footage is not just an image of marine animals but evidence of the success of hard work,” said Mr. Atthapol, adding that this achievement results from strict directives by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, who urged enhanced monitoring of rare marine species and appropriate regulation of human activities such as tourism and fishing to avoid disturbing the dugongs’ habitat and critical breeding moments.
Furthermore, observing this rare natural behavior reinforces the importance of implementing the royal initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya under the “Marine Conservation” project, which focuses on building cooperation with the public sector to restore marine resources, making the habitat abundant and safe for Thailand’s rare wildlife.
Information sourced from the Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and PR Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.