Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
In a major step for marine conservation, the Indian government has announced the establishment of the country’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay on the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu. Palk Bay is a semi enclosed shallow water body located in the Gulf of Mannar and is one of the most important dugong habitats in India. The reserve will protect these endangered mammals from hunting and poaching, as well as from threats posed by coastal development and pollution.
What is Dugong?
The Dugong is a medium-sized marine mammal. The Dugong is the only strictly marine herbivorous mammal, as all other marine mammals feed on both plants and animals. It is frequently called the “sea cow” for its routine of grazing on seagrass fields.
Dugongs are found in warm shallow waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. They typically inhabit areas with seagrass meadows, which they use for food and shelter. Dugongs are slow-moving animals; they can live up to 70 years old. Males can grow up to four meters in length while females reach a maximum length of three meters. Dugongs are generally shy and solitary animals. They are mostly active during the day, often congregating in groups of up to six individuals.
Where is the First Dugong Conservation Reserve created in India?
The first Dugong Conservation Reserve in India has been created in Palk Bay off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu. This is a semienclosed shallow water body with an area of about 550 sq. km and a maximum depth of around 20 m. Palk Bay is connected to the Gulf of Mannar (a larger semi-enclosed water body) through a narrow channel called Pambaru.
The primary objective of declaring this area as a conservation reserve is to protect the endangered Dugong population that inhabits Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. Dugongs are marine mammals that are herbivorous grazers and play an important role in the ecosystem by maintaining the health of seagrass beds.
The Gulf of Mannar is home to around 63 species of seagrasses, which form the primary food source for Dugongs. Palk Bay also has a rich diversity of other marine life, including over 200 species of corals, 1000 species of fish and more than 60 species of shellfish.
This area is therefore critical for the survival of Dugongs as well as the health of the overall ecosystem.
The First Dugong Conservation Reserve in India will help to ensure the survival of this endangered species and maintain the health of Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar.
What are some of the key features of the First Dugong Conservation Reserve?
The First Dugong Conservation Reserve is located in Palk Bay off the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu. This area is a semi enclosed shallow water body with an area of around 550 sq. km and a maximum depth of around 20 m. Palk Bay is connected to the Gulf of Mannar through a narrow channel called Pambaru.
What can be done to help Palk Bay?
There are a number of things you can do to help Palk Bay and its residents. You can support conservation measures by donating to organisations that work to protect Palk Bay. You can also reduce your own pollution and waste, and avoid buying products made from endangered species. Finally, you can spread the word about Palk Bay and its importance to Dugong conservation.
Conclusion
Palk Bay is a unique and important ecosystem that is home to a variety of marine life, including the dugong. Dugongs are listed as “vulnerable” by the IUCN and Palk Bay is an important breeding and foraging ground for this species. The establishment of the First Dugong Conservation Reserve in India is a major step forward in the conservation of this iconic species.
