Dugong: Relative of mammal that inspired mermaid tales extinct in China
Researchers have declared a mammal related to the manatee - said to have inspired ancient tales of mermaids and sirens - extinct in China.
Known as the ocean's most gentle giant, the dugong's slow, relaxed behaviour is likely to have made it vulnerable to overfishing and shipping accidents.Prof Samuel Turvey, from the Zoological Society of London , who co-authoredScientists at ZSL and the Chinese Academy of Science reviewed all historical data on where dugongs had previously been found in China.
This has led the researchers to declare the dugong functionally extinct - meaning "it is no longer viable... to sustain itself", Heidi Ma, postdoctoral researcher at ZSL, told the BBC.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
25 nature boy names inspired by EarthNature boy names for environmentally conscious parents that are inspired by nature and the great outdoors.
Read more »
Leeds bowlers set trap to catch 'disrespectful' teenagers after destruction of memorial benchHarehills Park and Bowling Club said they had seen an “unprecedented level” of theft and destroyed property in the last eight months
Read more »
Incarceration, interrogation and power: Joanna Piotrowska and Formafantasma’s ‘Sub Rosa’Now on view at Arch Athens, a collaborative project by photographer Joanna Piotrowska and design duo Formafantasma sees ethereal photography transformed into provocative objects inspired by interrogation-room architecture
Read more »
Signs of record drought along China’s longest riverSatellite images show extent of severe drought along the Yangtze River in China
Read more »
“Game of Thrones” v “Lord of the Rings”: a tale of old v new HollywoodThe near-simultaneous releases will make for an epic ratings battle. But they are also part of a longer-running war that pits old Hollywood studios against new streaming upstarts
Read more »