Itsasuskia lives in the Persian Gulf

1986/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Zoologia

The Itsasuski or dugongo is a siren of the manatee family that inhabits the Persian Gulf. The belief that this species was in danger of extinction in recent years was widespread among biologists. Fortunately, however, they have just discovered a colony of 500 units around the Ugarte Hawar.

Dugons are aquatic herbivorous mammals. Following oil spills during the 1963 war between Iran and Iraq, 40 dead dugones (along with other animals) appeared on the beaches of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Then it was thought that those 40 bodies could witness the death of the last 50 of the Gulf. They were limited to Australia.

The beliefs were corrupt and this group of 15,500 copies has filled with joy the Arab biologists and authorities.

Unexpectedly finding those we believe surround us shows us how little we know about the world around us.