Why in News?
World Dugong Day was observed on 28th May to raise awareness about the urgent conservation needs of dugongs, especially in India, where the population has drastically declined to around 200 individuals. This alarming reduction makes the protection and revival of dugongs a critical national priority, highlighting the importance of safeguarding their fragile marine habitats and enforcing conservation measures.
Key Facts about Dugongs
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What are Dugongs? | Marine mammals (Dugong dugon), also called “sea cows,” herbivorous, grazing on seagrass beds (“farmers of the sea”). Only herbivorous marine mammal in India. |
| Distribution | Indo-Pacific region; Indian populations mainly around Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch. Palk Bay is last stronghold in India. |
| Behaviour | Live up to 70 years; mostly solitary or mother-calf pairs; slow reproduction (maturity at 9-10 years; one calf every 3-5 years); max growth ~5% per year. |
| Diet | Seagrass species like Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, Halodule; consume 20-30 kg/day; feeding helps maintain seagrass health & biodiversity. |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); CITES Appendix I prohibits trade; protected under Schedule 1 of India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. |
| International Agreements | Signatory to CMS (1983); CMS Dugong MoU (2008); National Task Force for dugong conservation and CMS implementation in India. |
| Protection Zones | Dugong Conservation Reserve established in 2022 in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu (~122 sq km of seagrass habitat). |
Threats to Dugongs
| Threat | Impact |
|---|---|
| Habitat Loss | Seagrass meadows destroyed by port construction, dredging, land reclamation, pollution (agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial waste). |
| Mechanised Fishing | Habitat degradation; accidental entanglement in fishing nets causing fatal drownings. |
| Climate Change | Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, extreme weather impacting food availability & breeding grounds. |
| Illegal Hunting | Especially in remote areas like Andaman & Nicobar Islands. |
| Biological Limits | Slow reproduction cycle limits population recovery capacity. |
Dugong Conservation Measures
| Conservation Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Habitat Protection | Mapping, monitoring, and restoring seagrass meadows; restricting harmful activities; community-led stewardship. |
| Fishing Regulation | Restricting harmful fishing methods (gill nets, trawling) in dugong habitats to reduce accidental harm. |
| Research & Technology | Increased funding for long-term studies; citizen science; use of tagging, drones for tracking and habitat ID. |
About Seagrass
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Underwater flowering plants (not seaweed); classified as wetland ecosystems; stabilize seafloor, support fisheries, capture carbon. |
| Ecological Role | Essential for dugongs, turtles, fish; support marine biodiversity. |
| Indian Seagrass Habitat | 516.59 sq km recorded (2022 study by National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management); carbon sequestration ~435 tonnes CO2/sq km/year. |
| Location & Diversity | Largest meadows in Gulf of Mannar & Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu; highest seagrass diversity in Indian Ocean (~13 species). |
| Threats | Patchy habitats in Lakshadweep & Kachchh, threatened by port activities and pollution; minor habitats in Andhra Pradesh & Odisha unsuitable for dugongs. |
Prelims MCQs
Q1. Consider the following statements about Dugongs:
- Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals found in Indian waters.
- The Palk Bay is considered the last stronghold of dugongs in India.
- Dugongs have a rapid reproductive cycle with multiple calves born annually.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Dugongs are herbivorous, and Palk Bay is their last stronghold. Their reproductive cycle is slow, with one calf every 3-5 years.
Q2. Which of the following international agreements is India a signatory to for dugong conservation?
A) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
B) Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
C) CMS Dugong Memorandum of Understanding
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Q3. What is the main diet of dugongs?
A) Phytoplankton
B) Seagrass species such as Cymodocea, Halophila, and Thalassia
C) Small fish and crustaceans
D) Seaweed (macroalgae)
Answer: B) Seagrass species such as Cymodocea, Halophila, and Thalassia
Mains Question
Q. Discuss the significance of dugong conservation in India. What are the major threats to their survival, and how can conservation efforts be strengthened to ensure the protection of dugongs and their habitats?
