Conservation Success: Dugongs in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has successfully increased the population of dugongs, a regionally endangered species, along its coastlines, earning international recognition for its conservation efforts.

Conservation Efforts

• Supported by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), a multi-pronged approach was employed focusing on: 
  • Prevention of poaching
  • Rescue and release operations
  • Community involvement
  • Habitat restoration

Dugongs: Importance and Characteristics

• Also known as sea cows or the farmers of the sea due to their role in coastal ecosystems.
• Habitat: Located mainly in seagrass beds in bays and lagoons.
• Indian presence in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Diet: Herbivorous, consuming 30 kg-40 kg of seagrass daily.
• Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected under India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Population and Conservation Milestones

• In 2022, the government designated 448.34 square kilometers in Palk Bay as a Dugong Conservation Reserve.
• Recognized by IUCN as a critical step for marine biodiversity conservation.
• A recent drone survey by WII reported over 200 dugongs in the PB-GoM region.

Historical Background

• Dugongs were once abundant in Indian waters but declined due to hunting, fishing practices, and habitat degradation.
• Efforts to conserve dugongs included forming a Task Force and launching a national recovery program.

Community Involvement and Further Actions

• 150 awareness programs were conducted to involve local communities and NGOs.
• Nine successful dugong rescues in the past two years.
• Scholarship programs and recognition for sustainable fishing practices were introduced.
• Restoration efforts included transplanting seagrass using eco-friendly materials.

Future Developments

• An International Dugong Conservation Centre is set to be established at Manora along the Palk Bay.
• The centre aims to serve as an information hub and eco-tourism site.

Challenges and Recommendations

• Seagrass beds face threats from drag nets and boat movements.
• Recommendations include stronger regional cooperation with Sri Lanka to protect migratory dugongs.
• Continuous efforts are crucial to sustain the conservation success.

The conservation of dugongs in Tamil Nadu illustrates a successful integration of government action, scientific research, and community involvement, serving as a global model for similar efforts.