Dugongs

Context: The Union government’s Expert Appraisal Committee (MoEFCC) has asked Tamil Nadu to revise the design of the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora (Thanjavur).

About Dugongs:

What it is?

• Dugong is a large, slow-moving marine mammal, commonly called a “sea cow”, that feeds exclusively on seagrass.
• It is a keystone species, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy seagrass meadows.

Scientific name: Dugong dugon

Habitat:

• Found in warm, shallow coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
• Lives mainly in seagrass meadows, estuaries, lagoons, and nearshore areas.
• Unlike manatees, dugongs are strictly marine and do not enter freshwater.

IUCN status: Vulnerable.

Key characteristics of dugong:

• Large, plump body with paddle-like flippers and a whale-like tail fluke.
• Grows up to 3 metres in length and can weigh 400 kg or more.
• Gentle, herbivorous grazer that feeds almost continuously on seagrass.
• Acts as an ecosystem engineer, helping seagrass regenerate and supporting marine biodiversity.
• Holds cultural significance for many coastal and indigenous communities and is linked to ancient mermaid legends.