Solomon Islands – 2011 – 10 Dollar – Dugong Dugon (PROOF)

Description

Metal: Silver .925
Weight: 25 g
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 2’500 pcs.

The Dugong Dugon is a 500 kg and three meter mammal who is mainly found in coastal areas. This hulk belongs to the order of the sea cow of which there are only a few species left worldwide. The Dugong Dugon is a true plant eater who grazes the “sea meadows” at the bottom of the ocean.

These animals presumably reach an age of over 60 years and are sexually mature at 10 to 17 years of age. Every three to seven years the females give birth to a young – the gestation period is approximately one year. Due to the low reproductive rate and today’s hunting method the existence of these exceptional animals is highly endangered.

Other reasons for their threat are the deterioration of the ocean meadows through environmental poisons and fishing nets in which the animals get caught up in and then drown. This fascinating giant is the biggest, still living, true plant eating mammal who lives in the ocean.