A recent report presented at the IUCN Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi has raised alarms regarding the increasing threats to India’s dugong population. The findings indicate growing pressure on this rare marine mammal due to human activities and habitat degradation.
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are herbivorous marine mammals often referred to as sea cows in South Asia. These creatures are believed to have inspired ancient mermaid legends. They are unique in being the only strictly marine herbivorous mammals, unlike manatees, which also rely on freshwater. Dugongs possess a rounded body, paddle-like flippers, and a fluked tail that resembles that of a dolphin.
In India, dugongs primarily inhabit the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay region, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They thrive in shallow, warm coastal waters, including bays, lagoons, and estuaries, where seagrass meadows are plentiful.
Dugongs play a critical ecological role by maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems. Their grazing activities enhance nutrient cycling and support increased fish productivity, contributing to highly efficient blue-carbon ecosystems that store substantial amounts of carbon.
Dugongs are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In India, they receive the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring their conservation within the country.
The primary threats to dugongs stem from human activities. Pollution from industrial and agricultural sources degrades seagrass habitats and coastal water quality. Other significant pressures include injuries from fishing, coastal development, and escalating maritime traffic.
The Government of India has initiated a National Dugong Recovery Programme aimed at safeguarding and restoring dugong populations. Additionally, a Dugong Conservation Reserve has been established in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, to protect critical habitats. These efforts emphasize habitat protection, community involvement, and long-term monitoring.
The survival of dugongs is an indicator of the health of India’s coastal ecosystems and underscores the urgent need for sustainable marine conservation.
Q1. What is the significance of dugongs in marine ecosystems?
Answer: Dugongs play a vital role in maintaining seagrass ecosystems, enhancing nutrient cycling, and supporting fish productivity, which is crucial for marine biodiversity.
Q2. Why are dugongs considered vulnerable?
Answer: Dugongs face threats from habitat degradation, pollution, and human activities, leading to their classification as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Q3. Where can dugongs be found in India?
Answer: Dugongs are mainly found in the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay region, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where they inhabit warm coastal waters.
Q4. What initiatives are in place to protect dugongs in India?
Answer: The Government of India has launched the National Dugong Recovery Programme and established a conservation reserve in Palk Bay to protect their habitats and promote recovery.
Q5. How do human activities threaten dugongs?
Answer: Human activities such as pollution, fishing-related injuries, and coastal development significantly threaten dugong populations and their habitats.
Question 1: What is the primary diet of dugongs?
A) Fish
B) Seaweed
C) Seagrass
D) Plankton
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: Which act provides the highest legal protection to dugongs in India?
A) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
B) Forest Conservation Act, 1980
C) Environment Protection Act, 1986
D) Marine Protection Act, 2010
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: In which region of India is the Dugong Conservation Reserve located?
A) Andaman Islands
B) Gulf of Kutch
C) Gulf of Mannar
D) Palk Bay
Correct Answer: D
Question 4: What is a significant threat to dugongs?
A) Climate Change
B) Plastic Pollution
C) Coastal Development
D) Overfishing
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is the conservation status of dugongs on the IUCN Red List?
A) Endangered
B) Vulnerable
C) Least Concern
D) Critically Endangered
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Which of the following is a consequence of dugong grazing?
A) Decreased fish populations
B) Enhanced nutrient cycling
C) Habitat destruction
D) Increased water pollution
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: What inspired ancient mermaid legends according to the article?
A) Dugongs
B) Manatees
C) Seals
D) Whales
Correct Answer: A
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