New research led by ZSL and the Chinese Academy of Sciences has led researchers to declare that one of the ocean’s most gentle giants, the dugong is now functionally extinct in China. (Credits: PA)

A bizarre ocean creature that inspired stories of mermaids is being driven to extinction, warns a new report.

The dugong – also known as the ‘sea cow’ – has not been seen in Chinese waters since 2008.

It’s half fish and half mammal – with curves that made it resemble a woman to the ancient world’s sex-starved sailors.