Physiological ecology of wild and captive dugongs: a study examining metabolism, thermoregulation and osmoregulation (2009-2015)
Abstract
This project aims to: 1. Assess the basal metabolic rate of wild and captive dugongs and explore relationships with water temperature, and 2. Measure electrolyte concentrations and osmolality in urine, blood and excreted tears of wild dugongs in relation to seawater to determine the likely incidence of mariposia and the dugong's capacity to excrete excess salts.
