Dugong Conservation in India: Challenges and Efforts
A recent report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights significant threats to the dugong population in India and discusses conservation measures.
Current Status and Distribution
- Dugongs are primarily found in:
- Gulf of Kutch
- Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay region
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Their population in these areas is declining, with the IUCN listing them as vulnerable.
- In India, they are protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Biological Features
- Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals related to manatees.
- They have a dolphin-like tail and can grow up to 10 feet, weighing around 420 kilograms.
- Dependent on seagrass meadows, they require 30-40 kg of seagrass daily.
Ecological Importance
- Dugongs maintain healthy seagrass ecosystems, which are crucial for:
- Preventing overgrowth of seagrass
- Enhancing carbon storage
- Providing nutrients to other marine species
- Seagrass habitats contribute significantly to fish production, valued at a minimum of Rs 2 crore per year.
Population Decline
- Once abundant, the dugong population in India is now estimated between 250-450 individuals.
- The Palk Bay-Gulf of Mannar region hosts the largest group of about 150-200 dugongs.
- Other regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Gulf of Kutch have much smaller populations.
Threats
- Human activities and habitat degradation are primary threats.
- Accidental entanglement in fishing nets is a major cause of mortality.
- Pollution and toxic metal contamination (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead) from industrial and agricultural sources.
- Slow reproductive rate increases vulnerability to extinction.
Conservation Efforts
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has initiated several programs:
- Task Force for Conservation of Dugongs (2010)
- National dugong recovery program
- Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay (2022) by Tamil Nadu government
- Challenges remain in enforcing regulations and reducing threats like bycatch.
Conservationists suggest enhancing enforcement and monitoring measures, as well as developing alternative fishing gear and incentive-based models to reduce fishing pressure on dugong habitats.
