Dugong
The dugong, also known as the sea cow, is the only herbivorous marine mammal found in Indian waters. Despite its name, it looks more like a cross between a whale and a seal than a cow. It is closely related to manatees and is part of the order Sirenia.
Distribution in India
Dugongs are primarily found in:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Mannar
- Palk Bay
- Gulf of Kutch
Habitat and Diet
Dugongs are completely dependent on seagrass ecosystems. They are most commonly seen grazing in shallow waters, where they feed on seagrass species such as:
- Cymodocea
- Halophila
- Thalassia
- Halodule
Their need for clean and extensive seagrass meadows makes them especially sensitive to marine habitat degradation.
Conservation Status
Authority | Status |
IUCN Red List | Vulnerable |
CITES | Appendix I |
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (India) | Schedule I |
Major Threats
- Rapid population decline
- Habitat degradation, especially the loss of seagrass beds
- Marine pollution
- Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
- Boat strikes
- Hunting in some regions