<strong>Koh Libong, Thailand: </strong> With only a smattering of resorts, Koh Libong receives far fewer tourists than nearby islands such as Koh Lanta.
Koh Libong, Thailand: With only a smattering of resorts, Koh Libong receives far fewer tourists than nearby islands such as Koh Lanta.
Jack Taylor
<strong>Life-saving mission:</strong> Marium, an infant dugong found floating in the waters near Krabi province, was brought to Koh Libong for care. But on August 16, 2019, Marium died. Vets found plastic trash in her stomach.
Life-saving mission: Marium, an infant dugong found floating in the waters near Krabi province, was brought to Koh Libong for care. But on August 16, 2019, Marium died. Vets found plastic trash in her stomach.
Jack Taylor
<strong>A community effort: </strong>"When we see [dugongs] in trouble we help, releasing them from nets or taking them back to water when they're stranded," says clam diver Wit Jilao, pictured here standing to the left of his brother Wirut Jilao. "We feel like they're friends, and everyone in the village protects them."
A community effort: "When we see [dugongs] in trouble we help, releasing them from nets or taking them back to water when they're stranded," says clam diver Wit Jilao, pictured here standing to the left of his brother Wirut Jilao. "We feel like they're friends, and everyone in the village protects them."
Jack Taylor
<strong>Part of local life: </strong>For many Koh Libong residents, dugongs have long been a part of life. "As kids we'd search for snails near the shore and see dugongs every day," says Suwanee Jiemai, a seafood business manager. "We played with them like they were babies."
Part of local life: For many Koh Libong residents, dugongs have long been a part of life. "As kids we'd search for snails near the shore and see dugongs every day," says Suwanee Jiemai, a seafood business manager. "We played with them like they were babies."
Jack Taylor
<strong>Viewing platforms: </strong>Koh Libong offers dugong viewing platforms and boat tours. Around 70% of Thailand's dugongs can be found in the waters of Koh Libong due to an abundance of seagrass, the animals' main food.
Viewing platforms: Koh Libong offers dugong viewing platforms and boat tours. Around 70% of Thailand's dugongs can be found in the waters of Koh Libong due to an abundance of seagrass, the animals' main food.
Jack Taylor