Mom, baby dugong spotted in Kiamba waters

A mother dugong and her calf were found swimming in the waters of Kiamba, Sarangani, during a monitoring activity conducted on 6 February 2026.

According to the Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS), they documented the sighting of the two animals exhibiting natural behavior, including nursing.

The group added that the animals’ behavior indicated healthy interaction, reinforcing Sarangani Bay’s role as a critical habitat and breeding ground for dugongs.

On 7 February, another dugong was found washed ashore in General Santos City. Based on reports from Bantay Dagat and nearby community members who first observed the incident, the dugong was still alive at the time of sighting.

Initial field assessment did not indicate pregnancy; however, a subsequent necropsy conducted at the Marine Wildlife Rescue Center confirmed that the animal was carrying a calf. According to the resident veterinarian of the SBPS, the dugong’s internal organs were apparently normal, with no foreign objects or ingested materials that could have directly caused its death.

The veterinarian noted that the dugong weighed approximately 400 to 500 kilograms and may have been nearing its expected delivery period.

“These closely timed events reflect both the gains achieved through conservation efforts and the need for sustained vigilance,” SBPS officials said. The sighting of a mother and calf, together with the recent stranding incident, further confirms that Sarangani Bay remains an important habitat for dugongs, underscoring the vital role of government agencies, local communities, and partner stakeholders in ensuring the continued protection of this endangered marine species and its habitat.

Dugongs, which are classified as critically endangered under DAO 2019-09, are highly dependent on healthy seagrass ecosystems and remain vulnerable to threats such as boat strikes, habitat degradation, entanglement, and marine pollution. While the sighting of a mother and calf brings hope, the loss of a pregnant dugong highlights the importance of strengthened conservation measures and public awareness.

The public is reminded to help protect dugongs by maintaining a safe distance when sighted, avoiding chasing or feeding marine mammals, reducing boat speed in seagrass and shallow coastal areas, and properly disposing of waste to prevent marine pollution. Any dugong sighting or stranding should be immediately reported to PAMO-SBPS or concerned local authorities.