Patrol units protecting dugongs from poachers.

By Digital Media

TRANG, Jan 21 - Petrol units are on alert to protect the endangered dugong or sea cow from poachers after rumours swirled that there were gangs of poachers killing some of the sea animals, and illegally sending their carcasses abroad, according to a wildlife conservation official. .

Chaiyapruek Weerawong, chief of the Mu Ko Libong Non-hunting Area in Trang's Kantang district said there was no confirmation that gangs hunting dugongs for export really exist but the officials are on high alert to protect the creature in the area.

He said the patrol units inspect the area four times a week to prevent the endangered species from extinction.

Mr Chaiyapruek admitted that there are beliefs among some people that dugong tears, tusks and bones could be used for amulets believed to have special powers, but the authorities have not found any groups intending to hunt dugongs for this purpose.

They only found dugong carcasses by chance and cut the tusks, he said, adding that some households have found some dead bodies of the marine animal floating near their homes, fearing to be prosecuted, they buried.

No one was found taking dugongs meat to cook food, he added.

Mr Chaiyapruek cited statistic that 11 dugongs were found dead last year. Among those, only two or three were found with missing tusks.

The cause of death for most dugong is illegal fishing tool usage.

The dugong population situation was worrisome, he said, adding that during the past three or four years, some eight to 11 dugongs were found dead every year.

If the trend continues without any action being taken, more dugongs could be killed this year, the official said. (MCOT online news).

-- TNA 2013-01-21

These are quite interesting animals - check wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugong

There was a dead calf washed up on the north end of ThungWuaLaen beach (near Chumphon)last year. It was pretty far gone and ripe. Took me overnight to figure it out what the seamonster was. Didn't do an autopsy (used to do that stuff when working as govt vet). Probably caught in fishing nets, but possibly stillborn. Wildlife is good in the wild. AA

"Mr Chaiyapruek admitted that there are beliefs among some people that dugong tears, tusks and bones could be used for amulets believed to have special powers, but the authorities have not found any groups intending to hunt dugongs for this purpose"

Very sad that people believe this. Even sadder animals have to die for such nonsense.

"TRANG, Jan 21 - Petrol units are on alert to protect the endangered dugong or sea cow from poachers after rumours swirled that there were gangs of poachers killing some of the sea animals, and illegally sending their carcasses abroad, according to a wildlife conservation official. ."

I wondered if these were high octane unleaded units or merely gasohol.?

By the way, kill the poachers.

<"TRANG, Jan 21 - Petrol units are on alert to protect the endangered dugong or sea cow from poachers after rumours swirled that there were gangs of poachers killing some of the sea animals, and illegally sending their carcasses abroad, according to a wildlife conservation official. ."

I wondered if these were high octane unleaded units or merely gasohol.?>

Aw shucks, be lenient, the translator was just giving its best shit

"Patrol units are on alert to protect the endangered dugong or sea cow from poachers" and "officials are on high alert to protect the creature in the area."

"the patrol units inspect the area four times a week to prevent the endangered species from extinction."

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HUM? That gives any potential poachers just 3 out of every 7 days to go about their business.

All in a typical week's work for a Thai official. 4 days on, 3 days off !!

-mel.

More superstitious BS and the loss of harmless creatures. I guess that is all you can expect from a race still sporting Dr Future and Village crones.

Set up a sting operation. Catch them, arrest them, indict them, fine them jail them. Make the fines and jail terms serious. Enforce the law. Catch the Mr. Bigs. Don't settle for petty busts of little people down the food chain.

more likely they are selling the rights to poach.