Conservation of Dugongs in India
Dugongs, once abundant in India's coastal regions, have seen a drastic decline in population due to threats such as poaching, by-catch, habitat loss, and pollution. Their slow reproduction rates further compound these challenges.
Initiatives and Efforts
- Dugong Conservation Reserve (2022):
- Established in Palk Bay under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Protects over 12,000 hectares of seagrass meadows.
- Considered a model for integrated marine conservation.
- Community Involvement:
- Tamil Nadu, along with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), actively involves local communities to reduce poaching and by-catch.
- Encourages fishers to release accidentally caught dugongs.
- Technological Innovations:
- Use of drones, acoustic and satellite mapping to monitor seagrass beds.
Challenges and Threats
- Ongoing threats include mechanised fishing, port construction, dredging, and pollution from various sources.
- Environmental changes such as rising sea temperatures, acidification, and storms impact restoration efforts.
- Cross-border cooperation with Sri Lanka is essential due to the migratory nature of dugongs across the Palk Strait.
- Inconsistent funding and the necessity for long-term investment remain significant challenges.
Recognition and Broader Implications
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recognized the Palk Bay reserve for its ecological importance and innovative conservation techniques.
- Demonstrates the potential for community engagement in conservation efforts.
- Highlights the benefits of international recognition in enhancing conservation legitimacy and knowledge exchange.
- Combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern technology can effectively support marine conservation efforts.
