Dugong (Sea Cow) Conservation: An Examination-Focused Overview

Dugong (Sea Cow) Conservation: An Examination-Focused Overview

Dugongs (Dugong dugon), popularly known as "Sea Cows," are flagship species for the conservation of shallow marine ecosystems, especially seagrass meadows. Their conservation is a vital topic for ecology, environment, and current affairs sections of competitive exams.

1. 🌿 Dugong Profile and Ecological Role

Aspect Detail Significance for Exam

Scientific Name Dugong dugon Order: Sirenia (includes Manatees)

Diet Strictly Herbivorous (feed on seagrass). The only strictly herbivorous marine mammal in India.

Common Name Sea Cow Reflects their grazing habit.

Habitat Warm, shallow coastal waters; strictly dependent on seagrass meadows in bays and lagoons. Indicator species for the health of seagrass beds.

Ecological Role "Ecosystem Engineers" or "Gardeners of the Sea" Their grazing patterns and seed dispersal help maintain healthy, productive seagrass ecosystems, which in turn support fish and other marine life.

Reproduction Very slow reproductive rate; single calf every 3-7 years, with a long gestation period (14 months). Makes them extremely vulnerable to population decline.

Distribution in India Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay (largest population), Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Key locations for conservation projects.

2. 🚨 IUCN Status and Legal Protection

Status Category Body/Legislation Detail

Global Status IUCN Red List Vulnerable (VU)

International Trade CITES Appendix I (Prohibits commercial international trade)

Indian Legal Status Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule I (Highest level of protection, equivalent to Tiger/Lion)

3. 🇮🇳 Tamil Nadu's Pivotal Steps (India's First Dugong Reserve)

Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leader in Dugong conservation in South Asia, particularly concerning the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar region (PB-GoM), which holds India's largest surviving population.

A. India's First Dugong Conservation Reserve

Location: Northern Palk Bay (coastal waters of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts).

Establishment: Declared in September 2022 by the Tamil Nadu government under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Area: Approximately 448.34 sq. km. of crucial seagrass meadows.

Significance: It is India's first species-specific marine conservation reserve.

B. Community-Centric Conservation Model

Community Involvement: Crucial focus on fisherfolk who are often the first responders in rescue operations.

Incentive Programs: Introduction of a Compensation and Reward System for fishers who report accidental entanglement and safely release a Dugong. This builds trust and encourages cooperation over concealment.

Awareness: Extensive awareness campaigns and the launch of a Dugong Scholarship programme for fisher children.

Habitat Restoration: Multi-stakeholder efforts for seagrass restoration using community participation.

C. International Recognition

The Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay received a major boost with its formal recognition by the IUCN during its World Conservation Congress (2025 in the recent current affairs). It was acknowledged as a global model for marine biodiversity conservation.

This recognition validates India's commitment and encourages international scientific collaboration and funding.

4. 🌍 Global and National Threats and Efforts

A. Major Threats to Dugongs

Threat Description

Bycatch Mortality Accidental entanglement and drowning in fishing gear, especially gill nets, is the single most significant threat.

Habitat Loss/Degradation Destruction of seagrass meadows due to coastal development, industrial pollution, bottom trawling, and dredging.

Climate Change Increases in extreme weather events (e.g., cyclones, floods) degrade seagrass habitats.

Boat Strikes Collisions with fast-moving motorised vessels due to their shallow-water habitat and slow movement.

Poaching Illegal hunting for meat, hide, and oil, though reduced in India since the 1970s.

B. World-Level Conservation Initiatives

UNEP/CMS Dugong MoU: India is a signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and their Habitats throughout their Range (under the Convention on Migratory Species). This platform coordinates conservation and management across their range.

Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project: The first coordinated global effort, backed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNEP/CMS, focused on the Indo-Pacific region (8 countries, including Sri Lanka).

Cross-Border Cooperation (India-Sri Lanka): Given the movement of Dugongs across the Palk Strait, experts advocate for a telemetry-based satellite tracking system and a bilateral workshop to coordinate efforts.