NEW DELHI: India gets its first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu. The Reserve covers the coastal waters of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts with an area of 448 square kilometres.
Commonly known as sea cows, they are the largest herbivorous marine mammals found on the warm coast of the Red Sea, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. They primarily consume seagrass and can stay underwater for six minutes. They are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Since there are only 240 individuals present in the coastal region of Tamil Nadu, there is an imminent need to protect them and their habitat.
After extensive consultations with coastal communities, the government of Tamil Nadu came up with a conservation reserve last year. The official press release stated that it is a proud moment for Tamil Nadu and a great milestone for the country in marine conservation.