They live off seagrass, and sound like a teeny bird, but can weigh in at more than 400 kilograms and will cut you with their tusks. Dugongs (Dugong dugon) were once confused for mermaids. Yanyuwa people in the Golf of Carpentaria have observed their roles in family groups and identified 16 different types of dugongs. Cast your vote for Australia's most underrated animal here. https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2025-08-01/science-week-underrated-australian-animal-vote/105582104 Featuring: Dr Rachel Groom, Charles Darwin University Production: Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer Jacinta Bowler, Producer Rebecca McLaren, Producer Hamish Camilleri, Sound Engineer Petria Ladgrove, Executive Producer Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.