Observations of dugong reproductive behavior in Trang Province, Thailand: further evidence of intraspecific variation in dugong behavior
Adulyanukosol, K.; Thongsukdee, S.; Hara, T.; Arai, N.; Tsuchiya, M. (2007). Observations of dugong reproductive behavior in Trang Province, Thailand: further evidence of intraspecific variation in dugong behavior. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 151: 1887-1891. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-007-0619-y
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Adulyanukosol, K.
- Thongsukdee, S.
- Hara, T.
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| Abstract |
The seagrass beds at Muk Island and Talibong Island in Thailand are important areas for dugong (Dugong dugon) feeding and reproduction. We used opportunistic observations during aerial surveys to investigate dugong mating behavior in shallow water areas near Talibong Island on three different days. The mating pattern was categorized by five stages: (1) following: the male followed the female, (2) approaching and stimulating: the male approached and muzzled the female, (3) pairing: both male and female swam in parallel, ventral to ventral or dorsal to dorsal side, (4) mounting: the male copulated with the female, and (5) separating: the male and female swam in different directions. Parental care of calves included one observation of a cow embracing her neonatal calf by the flippers. |
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