Dugong Calf Autopsy: Acute Circulatory Failure Suspected

Thairath•Society•18d ago

Reader Briefing

An autopsy on a stranded dugong calf found dead in Ranong has revealed acute circulatory failure, likely due to infection and severe dehydration.

•A dugong calf, found stranded on Laem Son Beach in Ranong province, has died.
•Autopsy results point to acute circulatory failure as the primary cause of death.
•Contributing factors identified include infection, severe dehydration, and internal inflammation.
•The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is using the findings to improve conservation efforts for rare marine animals.

•The dugong calf was found stranded on Laem Son Beach, Ranong, and received assistance on July 5, 2026.
•The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources performed an autopsy on the deceased dugong calf.
•Autopsy results suggest the dugong calf died from shock due to infection in the circulatory system and severe dehydration, resulting in acute circulatory failure.
•The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources reported that the calf showed signs of bruising likely from stranding, bloated intestines, and partially digested seagrass in its stomach.
•The dugong calf's body condition was noted as normal to slightly thin (BCS = 2.5/5), with an average heart rate of 80-100 beats per minute during rest.
•Internal examination revealed pale heart muscle, blood clots in the heart chambers, lung congestion, emphysema, and fibrin in the abdominal cavity, indicating severe, prolonged intra-abdominal inflammation.
•Blood and tissue samples were sent for laboratory analysis to confirm the cause of death and inform future conservation strategies for rare marine animals.
•The findings will be used to develop knowledge and methods to improve the survival rate of dugongs and other rare marine species, contributing to sustainable marine resource conservation in Thailand.

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Department of Marine and Coastal Resources(กรมทะเลและชายฝั่ง)ℹ️

The organization that conducted the autopsy and reported on the dugong calf's death.

Dugong calf(ลูกพะยูน)ℹ️

The deceased young dugong whose autopsy results are the subject of the news.

Laem Son Beach(หาดแหลมสน)

The location where the dugong calf was found stranded and subsequently died.

Ranong Province(จังหวัดระนอง)ℹ️

The province in Thailand where Laem Son Beach is located and the dugong calf was found.

Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(รมว.ทส.)

The minister who ordered a swift autopsy and emphasized the importance of rescuing rare marine animals.