Historical datasets of dugong observations in the Kimberley region of Western australia

The knowledge of dugong (Dugong dugon) distribution as well as basic abundance estimates throughout the Kimberley are currently limited. This dataset brings together information collected through a series of aerial strip transects surveys during 1985, as well as anecdotal observations of dugong distribution collected from regular patrols conducted by Australian Customs. Data collection techniques were not rigorous enough to calculate abundance estimates, however the strip transect surveys do provide the first snapshot of dugong distribution through the West Kimberley. This dataset also forms a useful template for the conduct of more rigorous surveys.

目前，学界对金伯利（Kimberley）海域儒艮（Dugong dugon）的分布状况以及基础种群丰度估算的相关认知仍较为有限。本数据集整合了1985年期间通过一系列航空带状样带（aerial strip transects）调查获取的观测数据，以及从澳大利亚海关（Australian Customs）常规巡逻任务中收集到的儒艮分布轶事性目击记录。尽管本次数据采集的方法严谨性不足，无法支撑种群丰度估算的计算，但此次航空带状样带调查首次提供了西金伯利海域儒艮分布情况的快照式记录。本数据集同时可为后续开展更高严谨性的调查工作提供实用的参考模板。