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: 
  1. Gulf of Kutch
  2. Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay region
  3. 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: 
  1. Preventing overgrowth of seagrass
  2. Enhancing carbon storage
  3. 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: 
  1. Task Force for Conservation of Dugongs (2010)
  2. National dugong recovery program
  3. 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.