Dugong

Capturing a dugong on camera is a significant achievement for any coastal enthusiast. Because they are entirely aquatic, your best bet is an underwater setup. If you have a backyard jetty or a private beach in a known dugong area, consider mounting a camera with a high-quality underwater housing to a weighted tripod or a permanent PVC pole. Position the lens 1 to 2 metres above the sandy bottom, angled slightly downward toward a seagrass patch. Since dugongs leave visible 'feeding trails' through the grass, placing your camera near these paths is the most effective way to ensure a sighting.

Timing is critical. Dugongs are heavily influenced by the tide; they often wait for high tide to move into shallower areas to feed on grass that is inaccessible at low tide. Set your camera to record high-resolution video during the two hours before and after high tide. Use a wide-angle lens (120 degrees or more) because dugongs are large animals, and visibility in coastal waters can be limited. A wider lens ensures you capture the whole body even if the water is slightly turbid.

In terms of lighting, daylight is your friend. The best footage usually occurs between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is directly overhead, providing maximum light penetration into the water. If you are using a camera with motion-sensing AI, ensure it is tuned to detect large, slow-moving objects. Standard motion sensors can sometimes be fooled by swaying seagrass or floating debris, so a camera with a 'pre-record' or 'buffer' feature is ideal to capture the moment they first drift into frame.

Finally, keep your equipment clean. In tropical waters, algae and barnacles can grow on your camera housing lens within days. If your camera is a permanent fixture, you will need to wipe the lens cover every 48 to 72 hours to maintain clarity. Do not use artificial white lights at night, as this can startle the animals and alter their natural behavior; instead, rely on the camera's low-light sensor or subtle infrared if the depth allows for it.