Scientists from the university of Malaya''s Maritime Research Centre (UMMReC) received some welcome support in their search
for tha
dugong recently when Titan Chemicals Corp Bhd presented the centre with a grant of RM130,050 to fund the effort.
The UMMReC team aims to understand dugong behavour, travel patterns and use of their habitats off the coast of Johor.
According to Titan managing director Thomas P. Grehl, the first phase of the Titan -United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Dugong Conservation Project focusedon locating and assessing the dugong population as well as their habitat distribution.
''''During the
second phase, the UMMReC scientists will focuse on identification and protection of vital seagrass areas which are the feeding grounds of these gentle mamals.
''''The team will also ascertain the mamals'' behaviour, home ranges and population sizes through satellite taging and survey,'''' said Grehl.
'''' The first phase happened over six months period in 2005, while the second phase will start on August this year,'''' said project team leader professor Dr Azhar Hussin.
According to him, the team encountered nine dugong through aerial survey and seven face - to - face in various locations.
'''' Even more overwhelming was the discovery of a complete adult dugong skeleton, which we tranported back to the univesity for further research.''''
''''The second phase of the project will involve the team attempting to trap and tag the mamals with a transmitter,'''' said Dr Azhar.
''''We will be using satellite technology to track the mamals so we can learn about their movements over a period of time.''''
According to him, what the team has learnt in the first phase forms the foundation of their knowledge base on the dugong and will help them find ways to protect the mammals.
''''It is important to protect the sea grass area as other endangered species like sea turtles also live on sea grass.
''''When we protect the dugong''s habitat, other marine species will also sustained,'''' said Dr Azhar.
The team also seeks volunteers to help with the project,especially experienced divers who can help catch and tag dugong for the second phase.
Interestedvolunteers can contact Dr Azhar at azharh@um.edu.my or call 07-253 8934 (Hadidah,Titan JB).