The carcass of a young male dugong, with its head, flippers, and tail severed by a sharp implement, has been found on a beach in Takua Thung district, Phang-nga province.
Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) inspected the site at Noen Nang Non Beach in Ban Bang Chan, Lo Yung sub-district, after the finding of the severely decomposed body was reported yesterday.
Pinsak Suraswadi, director general of the DMCR, said staff from Marine and Coastal Resources Office 6 retrieved the carcass and filed a report with Khok Kloi Police Station, before transferring the remains to the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre for a detailed necropsy.
The examination revealed that the dugong was a juvenile male measuring about 150 centimetres in length and weighing 24 kilogrammes. While the animal appeared to have been in normal physical condition prior to its death, the moderate stage of decomposition prevented veterinarians from immediately determining the exact cause of death.
Investigators noted, however, that the amputations likely occurred post mortem.
An inspection of the dugong’s digestive tract revealed seagrass alongside foreign matter resembling nylon thread or rope. Samples were collected for laboratory analysis to assist in the investigation.
Pinsak stated that officials are gathering evidence and working with related agencies to track down those involved.
He emphasised that dugongs are a strictly protected wild species in Thailand and any unlawful act involving their remains violates the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Act B.E. 2562 (2019).
Offenders face penalties ranging from three to 15 years imprisonment, a fine between 300,000 and 1.5 million baht, or both upon conviction.
Authorities have pledged to prosecute anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law and urge the public to report injured or stranded rare marine animals, or any leads regarding wildlife crimes, via the 1362 hotline.
