India's Sea Cow: Dugong
Context:
A new report titled A global assessment of dugong status and conservation needs was launched at the IUCN Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
This report has highlighted the growing threat to the dugong population in India.
About Dugongs:
The dugong, also called the sea cow, is a marine mammal belonging to the order Sirenia.
They are called as Sea Cows due to their Exclusively herbivorous — feeds on seagrass meadows, requiring 30–40 kg daily.
They share a plump appearance with manatees but possess a dolphin fluke-like tail.
An adult can grow up to 10 feet and weigh around 420 kg.
They are exclusively herbivorous
They feed primarily on seagrass meadows in shallow coastal waters (less than 10 meters deep).
Habitat in India:
Gulf of Mannar & Palk Bay hosts the largest and most stable population (150-200 individuals).
Andaman & Nicobar Islands had a fragmented population (less than 50).
The Gulf of Kutch had a handful of individuals (less than 20).
Ecological Significance:
Keystone species of seagrass ecosystems
Gardeners of the Ocean:
By grazing, they prune seagrass and uproot old shoots, preventing overgrowth and keeping meadows healthy.
Carbon Sequestration:
Their grazing stimulates carbon storage in the sediment.
They maintain one of the planet's most efficient carbon sinks.
Nutrient Cycling:
They release nutrients from the sediment, which supports other marine species and boosts commercial fish production.
Threats:
A majority of deaths are due to accidental entanglement in fish nets (bycatch).
Pollution:
A recent study found Toxic metal accumulation (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb) in dugong tissues
They likely entered the food chain through industrial and agricultural runoff.
Slow Reproduction:
Females give birth only once every few years
This is making population recovery difficult.
Conservation Status
As per the IUCN Red List they are vulnerable to extinction.
According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 they are protected under Schedule I which has the highest legal protection.
Conservation Initiatives
Dugong Conservation Reserve:
This was established by Tamil Nadu in Palk Bay.
This is 448 sq. km to protect seagrass meadows.
National Dugong Recovery Programme:
This was launched by the MoEFCC in partnership with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.