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Dugong distribution model

Posted on 28 January 2009

As dugongs move over long distances and have a wide distributional range, it is important to identify areas of high long-term average dugong densities to prioritise conservation efforts.

This data presents the results of a model of dugong distribution and abundance, based on data collected from dugong aerial surveys, in conjunction with geostatistical techniques including universal kriging (Grech and Marsh 2007). After completing the model, frequency analyses were conducted to categorise relative dugong density and distribution to identify areas of low, medium or high conservation value.

  • Helene Marsh (JCU)
  • Alana Grech (JCU)
Custodian(s)
  • James Cook University
Owner Institution(s)

Dugong density: number / km;

Conservation value: 3-point rating (high, medium, low).

Data Units
Great Barrier Reef (whole GBR)
Region & Spatial Extent
1985 - 2005
Data Collection
Completed.
Maintenance & Update Frequency
Copyright remains with the data owner(s).
Resource Constraints

- Grech. A., and Marsh. H. (2007) - Prioritising areas for dugong conservation in a marine protected area using a spatially explicit population model, Applied GIS, 3(2), 1-14

- Marsh H., and Saalfeld, W.K. (1989). Distribution and abundance of dugongs in the Northern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Australian Wildlife Research 16:429-440.

- Marsh H., and Saalfeld, W.K. (1990). The distribution and abundance of dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park south of Cape Bedford. Australian Wildlife Research 17:511-524

- Marsh H., and Sinclair D.F. (1989). Correcting for visibility bias in strip transect aerial surveys of aquatic fauna. Journal of Wildlife Management. 53(4): 1017-1024

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