Sea Cows Vanish: India's Dugongs Face Extinction

Dugongs, often called sea cows and thought to be the inspiration for ancient mermaid legends, are facing a severe threat of extinction in India. A recent report highlighted the critical state of their populations, particularly in the Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Mannar-Palk Bay region. These marine mammals are exclusively herbivorous, relying on seagrass meadows for sustenance, and play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

The decline of dugong populations is primarily attributed to human activities, including accidental entanglement in fishing gear and escalating pollution from industrial discharge and agricultural runoff. These factors, coupled with the dugong's slow reproductive rate, make them highly susceptible to extinction. Toxic elements like arsenic and mercury have also been found in their tissues, further endangering their health.

In response, conservation initiatives such as the establishment of the Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay have been launched. However, experts emphasize the urgent need for enhanced regulatory enforcement, reduced bycatch in fisheries, and the development of alternative fishing methods to bolster the dugong's chances of survival. Stronger conservation measures are critical for these vulnerable sea creatures.