The Persian Gulf hosts the world's second-largest population of dugongs, herbivorous marine mammals listed as vulnerable, with an estimated 5,000 to 7,500 individuals

The Persian Gulf hosts the world's second-largest population of dugongs, herbivorous marine mammals listed as vulnerable, with an estimated 5,000 to 7,500 individuals

From sea turtles to birds and the gentle dugong, the Persian Gulf's diverse but fragile marine life is threatened by the bombs and oil of the war in the Middle East.

The ecosystem was already under pressure from climate change and maritime traffic before the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran at the end of February, leading to Tehran's region-wide retaliation.

Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

Tags

Recommended for you