Manatees

61cm x 35cm
Cobra water mixable oils on textured board.

A disturbing report in August 2022 declared Dugongs extinct in China. This is a devastating loss. Manatees and dugongs are members of the sea cow family, the main difference between them is the shape of the tail. Dugongs that live in shallow coastal bays and mangrove swamps have fluted tails, whereas the tail of the manatees, that lives in freshwater, is a single paddle.
Both manatees and dugongs are protected species, but they are easy prey for hunters after their blubber and oil.
We can only hope that other countries in the world that are home to these gentle herbivors will be more active in protecting their precious charges.

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