Conservation of Dugongs Must Remain a Top Priority for India

Context

The dugong (Dugong dugon), also known as the “sea cow”, is India’s only herbivorous marine mammal. Its population is declining due to multiple anthropogenic threats, making its conservation an urgent ecological priority.

Relevance:

GS Paper 3: Environment, Conservation, Biodiversity, Climate Change

The Dugong:

Habitat: Shallow tropical marine waters, rich in seagrass meadows.
Distribution (India):
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Mannar
- Palk Bay
- Gulf of Kutch
Ecological Role:
- Known as the “farmer of the sea” — helps maintain healthy seagrass ecosystems.
Reproduction & Longevity:
- Matures at 9–10 years, lives up to 70 years, with low reproduction rate (~3–5 years).

Threats to Dugongs

Type	Details
🛑 Habitat Loss	Due to ports, tourism, agriculture, and urban expansion.
🧪 Pollution	Mercury, organochlorines in tissues indicate toxic exposure.
🎣 Fishing Threats	Accidental bycatch in gillnets, mechanized trawling.
🌊 Climate Change	Sea warming, acidification, cyclones degrade seagrass.
🔫 Illegal Hunting	Despite Schedule I status, poaching still occurs.
🚤 Boat Collisions	Dugongs surface frequently, making them vulnerable.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable globally
India: Regionally Endangered
Legal Protection:
- Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- CMS Convention (1983)
- MoU on Dugong Conservation (2008) under CMS

Key Initiatives

Dugong Conservation Reserve (2022) – Tamil Nadu

Area: 448.3 sq. km (Palk Bay)
Seagrass Coverage: 122.5 sq. km intact
Institutional Support:
- OMCAR Foundation
- Wildlife Institute of India
- Tamil Nadu Forest Department

Way Forward:

🌿 Conservation Strategies

Seagrass Mapping & Monitoring
Fishing Reforms: Ban on bottom trawling, gillnets in key habitats
Community Stewardship: Engage fishers in protection, eco-tourism
Awareness & Training: Fisher education, village campaigns
Rescue & Reporting Networks: Local rapid-response mechanisms

Research & Innovation

Satellite/Drones: Tracking movements
Tagging & Monitoring: Population dynamics
Citizen Science & TEK: Use traditional knowledge for sightings

Seagrass Ecosystems: The Dugong’s Lifeline

What is Seagrass?
- Flowering underwater plant (not algae), forms marine wetlands.
Ecological Importance:
- Stabilizes seafloor
- Supports marine biodiversity
- Carbon Sink: Sequestration up to 434.9 tonnes CO₂/km²/year

India’s Seagrass Status (2022):

Total Area: 516.59 sq. km
Key Hotspots:
- Gulf of Mannar & Palk Bay (13+ species, Indian Ocean’s richest)
- A&N Islands, Kachchh Coast, Lakshadweep (patchy but vital)
- Andhra Pradesh & Odisha (sparse; unsuitable for dugongs)

Conclusion

Dugongs are keystone marine species, and their protection reflects the health of India’s coastal and seagrass ecosystems. Conservation must combine legal enforcement, ecological monitoring, community involvement, and climate adaptation strategies.