Steller's Sea Cow | |
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A model of Steller's Sea Cow. | |
Information | |
Range | North America |
Estimated Population | 0 |
Scientific Classification | |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Mammalia |
Order | Sirenia |
Family | Dugongidae |
Species | Hydrodamalis gigas |
Conservation Status | |
Extinct |
Steller's Sea Cow (Hydrodamalis gigas) is an extinct sirenian described by Georg Wilhelm Steller in 1741. It had a fluke like tail for swimming, cause it's an extinct cousin of both the dugong and the manatee. Steller's Sea Cow lived in the northwest part of the northern hemisphere and congregated in big groups.
Description[]
The Steller's sea cow can grow up to 8-9 meters (26-30 feet) long.
Ecology and behavior[]
It remains unknown whether the Steller's sea cow has natural predators. The adults are known to guard their young.
Taxonomy[]
The Steller's sea cow belonged in the sirenian family.
Range[]
The Steller's sea cow are known to range around the Commander Islands, including the Bering and Copper Islands.