The dugong is a large animal that lives in the sea. Dugongs are also sometimes called ‘sea-cows’, because they mainly eat seagrass. Dugongs can be found in shallow areas near the coast. The animal can become more than 50 years old. Females give birth in the water, usually to only one calf. The calf stays close to its mother for several years. Because it takes a long time for these animals to raise their calves, hunting has a big impact. In many parts of the country the dugong has disappeared. But in Lau Lagoon this special sea animal still occurs.