Why in the news?

  • According to a recent report, the long-term survival of dugongs in the Gulf of Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is highly uncertain or challenging.

Gulf of Kutch

  • Location: Inlet of the Arabian Sea located along the west coast of India, in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat.
  • Geographical Setting: Lies between the Kutch region (north) and the Kathiawar Peninsula (south).
  • Extent: About 99 miles (≈ 160 km) long, occupying 7,300 sq km.
  • Islands: Around 32 islands, surrounded by coral reefs- notable ones include Pirotan, Narara, Kalubhar, and Paga.
  • Currents & Tides: Exhibits one of the highest tidal ranges in India.
  • Topography: Rimmed with mudflats, with many small islands emerging from shallow waters.
  • Protected Regions: Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park located on the southern shore- India’s first Marine National Park (established 1980).

Dugong

  • What is it?: Dugong (Dugong dugon) also called ‘Sea Cow’ is one of the four surviving species in the Order Sirenia and it is the only existing species of herbivorous mammal that lives exclusively in the sea including in India.
  • Distribution and Habitat: They are found in over 30 countries and in India are seen in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable
    • Wild (Life) Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix I
  • Threats:
    • Habitat degradation (especially of seagrass beds)
    • Boat strikes
    • Entanglement in fishing nets
    • Pollution (oil spills, plastics)
    • Climate change and rising sea levels
    • Illegal hunting (though now rare in India)
  • Conservation Efforts:
    • India’s Effort:
      • Dugong Conservation Reserve: India’s first in Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu (2022)
      • Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
      • Recovery Programme for Dugongs under National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
      • Community participation through awareness and eco-development programs
    • International Efforts: Part of UNEP’s Dugong Conservation Programme