Trip Report for the initial assessment of a stranded dugong calf in Kanawa Island

Group of American Marine Biologists that assisted the animal before our arrival

Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) received a call for support from the PKSDA to provide onsite support and assessment for a stranded dugong. A small team comprising of,Dr. Nimal Fernando,Dr. Kadek Kesuma, Nyoman Suartawan, (BSMP) and Sutejo (Batang Dolphin Centre) arrived at Kanawa Island on the 15^thJanuary. Based on onsite discussions the recent history is as follows:  the animal was first observed alone off the beach on the 1^st January, it was then not seen for a few days and finally on the 12^th January when it was seen again a group of visiting American marine biologists decided to intervene and bring the animal under human care for assistance.  

TSI's staff Feeding the animal

On arrival we worked closely with the Americans to ensure a smooth transition as they were departing the island the next day.  We provided a new milk formula based on giraffe milk powder that we had carried from BSMP. Overall the animal appeared bright, it had several skin lacerations over the body from the surrounding corals and rocks where it was stranded, but they appeared to be healing well.

During our stay the animal was taking approximately 400 – 500 mls of milk formula, which is below target but it was hoped that would gradually improve. Further during milk feeding breaks the animals could be observed eating small amounts of sea grass from the surrounding area. The animal was also observed to urinate and defecate, which was a promising sign.

The animal found comfort

During our time we had several meeting with representatives from the Komodo National Park, BKSDA, WWF, local community members and a collective decision was made that the animal was to stay onsite for rehabilitation with the support of the local community. Taman Safari Indonesia was to then spend time training members of the local community (that were employed at the resort) to make up the milk formula, handle the animal etc. TSI would also plan staged withdrawal from the island once the local community felt they could handle the hand raising. Myself and Dr Kadek left on the 18^th January and Nyoman Suartawan on the 19^th. Sutejo was to stay on to assist with trailing with the aim that he would be replaced after about 5-7 days.  On our recommendation the BKSDA officer erected signage advising tourists not to interfere and touch the dugong. We also left with the instruction to continue the hand feeding every two hours during daylight hours and to also construct a sea pen to contain the animals overnight. 

Feeding was arround the clock during daylight hours

I should be noted that hand raising dugongs is challenging and people were reminded that despite the best efforts of all, the outcome may not be positive. There was also concern that the locals may try to use this animal to generate income from the visiting tourists (photos / handling) and also locals (touching or collecting dugong tears). On our second last day I had to strongly remind the local community not to allow tourists etc. to handle the animal as during a training session they had actively called over some tourists for photos and handling opportunities. It is hoped that this animal will survive to weaning and that TSI can continue to support (in some capacity) until release.  We will certainly continue to monitor the feeding data and help review this in case any problems arise. Overall it is a good story about conservation and collaboration and I want to thank TSI for supporting this and allowing us to attend to this animal.

Public Relation

Taman Safari Indonesia