Present-day hunting and distribution of dugongs in the Wellesley Islands (Queensland): Implications for conservation

Dugongs were traditionally hunted by netting or spearing from a raft in the Wellesley Islands (Queensland). They are now hunted using a harpoon with a detachable head (wap) from a dinghy with an outboard motor. Despite the increased efficiency in hunting techniques, other factors (usually sociological) today mitigate against hunting on a large scale and the estimated number of animals killed each year (40) is about a tenth of the maximum numbers counted on aerial survey (374). The peak period of hunting activity takes advantage of the seasonal movements of dugongs within the island group. However, at all times of the year, a significant proportion of dugongs seen from the air occurred in areas where hunting now rarely takes place. Some hunters also avoid the capture of pregnant females as a conservation measure.The importance of initiating a programme to educate the Wellesley Island Aboriginals to take further responsibilities for their wildlife, including dugongs, is discussed.