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.