Students protect rare sea cows in Phu Quoc

300 students on November 30 took part in the festival of protection of extinct Dugong species in Duong Dong town, Phu Quoc island.

>>>Rare sea cows are carcassed in Phu Quoc

In addition to students, there are hundreds of leaders of the department, teachers, the public and tourists participating in the festival. The event calls for the community to protect Dugong, a rare and endangered marine animal in Vietnam.

The parade called for protection of Dugong.(Photo: WAR)

In response to the day event, participants marched from the Phu Quoc Cultural House, then went through some streets, to Dinh Cau - Phu Quoc's famous tourist destination and returned to the Cultural House. After that, the students and leaders participated in a dramatic contest with the content calling on people to protect precious and rare marine animals.

"We hope law enforcement activities are strengthened, at the same time everyone will participate more actively to protect Dugong and Phu Quoc rare and precious sea creatures," said Nguyen Vu Khoi, Director. The Wildlife Protection Organization (WAR) said.

Dugong or Dugong dugon is a large mammal, living in the sea. Adult dugong can be three meters long and weigh about 450kg. They eat seagrass and other marine plants. Due to the slow movement and large body, this species is often susceptible to catching fishermen's nets. Dugong is also hunted aggressively for meat, skin for food and teeth for medicine or jewelry.

Dugong is being threatened with extinction at the Critically Endangered level (CR), according to the Vietnam Red Book. This species is also classified as an endangered species by the World Red List (IUCN). Dugong only remains no more than 100 in two waters of Vietnam, Phu Quoc and Con Dao (WWF, 2013).