Wildlife Dept. denies reports of dugong found in Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sept. 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Wildlife Conservation Department today denied social media claims that the body of a sea dugong had been found along the Sri Lankan coastline.

The Department clarified that various rumours are being circulated online, but the incident in question occurred in India.

According to reports, the carcass of a female dugong, aged around 8–9 years and weighing approximately 300 kg, was discovered washed ashore at Sethukkarai beach near Thirupullani in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, on September 19.

Indian wildlife officials suspect that the animal may have died due to a collision with rocks or illness, though the exact cause will be determined following a post-mortem examination.

The Hindu newspaper reported the discovery, which had mistakenly been linked to Sri Lanka on social media.