Hold onto your snorkels, eco-enthusiasts! Dugongs—the gentle ‘sea mermaids’ once thought to be functionally extinct along the Chinese mainland coast—have been spotted near Yongshu Reef in the Nansha Islands! 🌊 Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and local environmental authorities confirmed the sightings after weeks of monitoring, marking a major win for marine conservation.
These chubby, plant-loving mammals (yes, they’re related to manatees!) are national first-class protected animals in China. Nicknamed ‘ocean gardeners’ for their role in maintaining seagrass ecosystems, dugongs had all but vanished from the region by 2022. Their return? A glowing Y2K-style comeback for biodiversity!
🔍 Why It Matters: The comeback highlights China’s intensified efforts to protect island and reef ecosystems. Officials say ongoing collaborations will use science-backed strategies to keep these habitats thriving. Think of it as a VIP conservation playlist—with dugongs as the headliners!
