Dugong:

Dugong dugon, a sea cow, is a large marine herbivorous mammal found in the shallow waters inhabiting tropical and sub-tropical seagrass meadows on which they graze. They feed on 30 t0o 40 kg of seagrass in a single day and it is its only food source. They can live for more than 70 years and have low reproductive rates and long intervals between generation. Pioneering seagrass species such as Halodule sp., Halophila sp., and Cymodocea sp., make up the majority of the digesta. Dugongs are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. However, their population is on the decline due to habitat loss. The IUCN has classified dugongs as vulnerable to extinction and the factors contributing to population reduction include habitat degradation, hunting and unintentional capture. Investigations has indicated that dugongs are threatened by several factors, such as poaching for their flesh, oil and ivory, pollution and entanglement in certain types of fishing gear and climate change.

​

Hence, there is an imminent need to protect Dugongs and their habitat from degradation. To realise these objectives the Government of Tamil Nadu had notified the “Dugong Conservation Reserve” in Palk Bay, after holding extensive consultations with coastal communities especially with the local fishermen. Conservation initiatives are crucial to protecting Dugongs and their habitats. Efforts include the establishment of marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries management, and community engagement to reduce threats.

 

 

OMCAR is committed to supporting Dugong conservation through awareness, education, and active participation in research and restoration projects. By safeguarding these remarkable creatures, we also protect the rich marine life they support, ensuring a healthier ocean for generations to come.