Dive times for foraging dugongs in the Northern Territory.

Abstract

THERE are few published studies of dive times of dugongs (Dugong dugon). Direct observations are problematic because D. dugon are shy and difficult to observe in the wild from boats without creating observer effects. Time Depth Recorders (TDR’s) can record dive and surface times during dive behaviour, but there are no published data as yet for D. dugon using this technology. Although studies on dive times using Time Depth Recorders (TDR’s) result in larger data sets, their results are difficult to relate to particular behaviours such as foraging. This paper provides submergence and surface interval times for D. dugon obtained by direct observations in Darwin Harbour. Direct observations, although time consuming, can produce important information related to the ecology of D. dugon.