Conservation of dugongs must remain a top priority for India, Pg20

• Dugongs (Dugong dugon), the only herbivorous marine mammal found in India, are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN and ‘Regionally Endangered’ in India.

• Dugongs inhabit shallow coastal waters—mainly Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman-Nicobar Islands.

• Highly dependent on seagrass meadows for survival; habitat degradation is the primary threat.

• India declared its first Dugong Conservation Reserve (500 sq.km) in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, in 2022.

• Dugongs have low reproductive rates, with one calf born every 3–7 years; population growth is slow (~5% annually).

• Threats include:

  • Habitat loss due to dredging, fishing nets, tourism, land reclamation

  • Illegal hunting

  • Climate change and extreme weather affecting coastal ecosystems

• India is a signatory to the CMS Dugong MoU, reinforcing its commitment to dugong conservation.

• Dugongs rely on specific seagrass species like Halodule, Halophila, and Syringodium for nutrition; these habitats are highly sensitive to pollution, trawling, and boat anchors.

• Dugongs are integral to carbon sequestration via seagrass meadows, acting as ecosystem engineers by pruning seagrass and aiding its regrowth.

• Studies by CMFRI and SACON have revealed that India has the largest seagrass areas in the Indian Ocean, with Tamil Nadu supporting over 45% of the total national cover.

• NGOs and research bodies are promoting eco-guided tourism, fishing reforms, and community awareness to protect dugongs.

• Conservation efforts now focus on:

  • Demarcating marine protected areas

  • Training local communities for citizen-science and habitat monitoring

  • Promoting non-destructive fishing and sustainable livelihood options

  • Using tagging and drone technology to study dugong migration patterns

• Seagrass Meadows: Underwater flowering plants that form dense colonies in shallow marine ecosystems; crucial for dugong diet and for blue carbon capture.

• Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Marine ecosystems like seagrass meadows, mangroves, and salt marshes that sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide.

• CMS Dugong MoU: A conservation agreement under the Convention on Migratory Species, focusing on dugong protection in range states.

• Dugong Reproductive Cycle: Characterised by infrequent calving and long parental investment, making them highly vulnerable to external pressures.

• Dugongs serve as keystone species in marine biodiversity and indicators of healthy coastal ecosystems.

• Protecting dugongs aligns with India’s international biodiversity commitments, including SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

• Conservation measures will also aid fisheries sustainability, climate mitigation, and livelihood support for coastal communities.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the ecological importance of dugongs and the threats they face in India. Suggest conservation strategies that can ensure long-term protection of marine herbivores like dugongs.