Antique residents rescue stranded baby dugong, return it to sea

Residents of Caluya town in Antique province came to the rescue of a young dugong after discovering the marine mammal stranded in shallow water on Liwagao Island in Barangay Sibolo during low tide Sunday.

The dugong, a large marine herbivore also known as a sea cow, had become trapped in the receding waters. Recognizing the animal's predicament, concerned residents quickly mobilized to assist the endangered creature.

Through coordinated efforts, the local community successfully guided the dugong back into deeper waters, allowing it to return to the open sea. Dugongs are protected marine species found throughout South and Southeast Asian waters, with populations under increasing pressure from habitat loss and fishing activities.

The incident highlights the importance of community awareness in protecting endangered marine life. Dugongs, which can reach lengths of up to three meters and weigh as much as 400 kilograms, are gentle herbivores that feed on seagrass in shallow coastal waters, making them vulnerable to stranding during extreme tidal changes.