India’s sea cows are under threat, says report

A new IUCN report released at the IUCN Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi warns of a rising threat to India’s dugong (sea cow) populations. In South Asia, dugongs occur mainly in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

• The report states that their long-term survival is highly uncertain in the Gulf of Kutch and challenging in the Andamans, while populations in the Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay have become much lower than before.

• Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, dugongs are marine herbivores feeding exclusively on seagrass. They help maintain seagrass ecosystems through grazing, which promotes regeneration. Their gentle behaviour has historically inspired mermaid myths.

Distribution in India (Very Important)

• Gulf of Kutch
• Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• India (WLPA 1972): Schedule I – highest protection

Ecology & Characteristics

• Scientific name: Dugong dugon
• Marine mammal; related to manatees
• Herbivorous — feeds on seagrass
• Adult size: ~10 feet, ~420 kg
• Dolphin-like fluke tail (distinguishes them from manatees)
• Important for seagrass meadow health (grazing → regeneration)

Threats (Implied)

• Declining populations across all Indian habitats
• Habitat loss (seagrass degradation)
• Hunting (historically)
• Bycatch and vessel strikes
• Slow reproductive rate

Source: IE