CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Every year on May 28, the global community celebrates World Dugong Day to raise awareness about the conservation of dugongs, gentle marine mammals that play a vital role in maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems. This day draws attention to the threats faced by dugongs and the need for coordinated action to safeguard their habitats.
About Dugongs
The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large, slow-moving marine mammal that feeds exclusively on underwater vegetation. Commonly known as the ‘sea cow’, the dugong’s appearance resembles a mix between a dolphin and a manatee, although it is more closely related to elephants in evolutionary terms.
They are part of the order Sirenia, which also includes manatees. Dugongs are the only surviving species of their family (Dugongidae) and are uniquely adapted to life in warm coastal waters.
Global And Indian Distribution
Dugongs inhabit the Indo-West Pacific region, with their range extending from East Africa to Australia, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia.
In India, dugong populations are mainly found in:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Gulf of Mannar
Palk Bay
Gulf of Kutch
These regions provide the shallow, nutrient-rich waters that dugongs need to survive.
Habitat And Feeding Patterns
Dugongs are strict herbivores, spending most of their lives grazing on seagrass meadows. They prefer certain genera of seagrasses, including:
Halophila
Cymodocea
Halodule
Thalassia
These seagrasses are critical not only to dugongs but also to the broader marine ecosystem, helping to stabilize the seabed, support biodiversity, and absorb carbon.
Because of their dependence on these habitats, dugongs are mostly restricted to shallow coastal areas where seagrass beds are abundant. Their foraging behavior plays a crucial ecological role by maintaining the health and growth of these underwater meadows.
Reproduction And Life Cycle
Dugongs have a slow reproductive rate, which makes population recovery extremely difficult if numbers decline.
Reproductive age: 9–10 years
Gestation period: About 13–15 months
Calving interval: Once every 3–5 years
Average lifespan: Up to 70 years
Calves are dependent on their mothers for up to 18 months, requiring extensive maternal care. This slow life cycle is one of the main reasons why dugong populations are so vulnerable.
Conservation Status And Threats
Dugongs are considered vulnerable to extinction due to their limited distribution and slow reproduction.
Legal Protection
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Appendix I (species threatened with extinction)
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (provides absolute protection)
Key Threats
Seagrass habitat degradation due to coastal development, pollution, and dredging
Accidental entanglement in fishing nets (bycatch)
Boat collisions in busy marine areas
Illegal hunting for meat, oil, and tusks (in some regions)
Climate change and rising sea temperatures affecting seagrass availability
Conservation Efforts In India
To safeguard dugongs and their habitats, India has initiated several steps:
Dugong Conservation Reserve: India’s first dugong conservation reserve was established in Tamil Nadu’s Palk Bay to protect 500 sq. km of dugong habitat.
Community Involvement: Local fishermen are being trained to recognize and report dugong sightings and avoid harmful fishing practices.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Conservation efforts are supported through MPAs, where fishing and tourism activities are regulated.
Research and Monitoring: Institutes like the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) are actively involved in population monitoring, genetic studies, and habitat mapping.
The Significance Of World Dugong Day
World Dugong Day serves as an important platform to:
Educate the public about dugongs and their ecological role
Highlight the threats they face in India and globally
Promote the preservation of seagrass habitats
Encourage policy support, community engagement, and scientific research
Dugongs Matter
Dugongs are keystone species their feeding habits help maintain healthy seagrass beds, which are critical to coastal protection, carbon storage, and supporting marine biodiversity. Their conservation ensures the long-term health of marine ecosystems and benefits coastal communities that rely on sustainable fisheries.
Conclusion
The dugong's plight is a reminder of the delicate balance within our marine ecosystems. Celebrating World Dugong Day is more than symbolic—it’s a call for collective responsibility in ensuring the survival of one of India’s most iconic and gentle marine species.
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