World Dugong Day

May 28 is celebrated every year as World Dugong Day.

About Dugongs (Dugong dugon)

• Only herbivorous marine mammal found in India’s waters.
• Commonly known as the “sea cow”.
• Resemble a cross between a seal and a whale.
• Belong to the Indo-Pacific region.

Distribution in India

• Found in shallow, warm coastal waters.
• Indian habitats include:
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Gulf of Mannar
  • Palk Bay
  • Gulf of Kutch

Diet & Feeding Behavior

• Feed exclusively on seagrasses:
  • Cymodocea, Halophila, Thalassia, Halodule.
• Consume rhizomes, stems, and leaves of seagrass.
• Root at the base of seagrass, clouding the water — origin of “sea cow” nickname.
• Due to low nutrient content in seagrass, feed extensively throughout the day.
• Capable of digesting cellulose.
• Constant tooth wear requires frequent tooth regrowth throughout life.

Biology & Behavior

• Strictly marine (unlike manatees, which enter freshwater).
• Prefer waters just a few metres deep.
• Solitary or seen in small mother-calf pairs.
• Large herds are rare in India but seen in Australian waters.
• Lifespan: Up to 70 years.

Reproduction & Conservation Status

• Slow reproductive cycle:
  • Long time to maturity.
  • Infrequent calving.
  • Max population growth rate ~ 5% per year.
• Listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.

Conservation Efforts

• In 2022, India established its first Dugong Conservation Reserve:
  • Location: Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu
  • Area: 448.3 sq. km

Human Interaction

• Dugongs are shy and avoid human contact.
• Not as interactive or visible as manatees, their close relatives.

(Source: TH)