In a historic move for marine wildlife protection, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially recognized India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. This acknowledgment marks a significant step forward in preserving one of the world’s most unique and vulnerable marine mammals, the dugong (Dugong dugon). The reserve is strategically located in the Palk Bay region of Tamil Nadu, which is known for its rich marine biodiversity.
The IUCN has highlighted India’s pioneering efforts in dugong protection as a model that can be adopted across other parts of the Indian Ocean and similar habitats worldwide. The organization emphasized that India’s approach demonstrates a balanced strategy between environmental conservation and sustainable community practices, creating a blueprint for global dugong protection initiatives.
About the Dugong Conservation Reserve
The reserve was officially established in 2022 under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, by the Tamil Nadu government. Spanning approximately 448.34 square kilometers in the northern part of Palk Bay, it is home to extensive seagrass meadows covering over 12,250 hectares. These underwater grasslands are not only vital for the dugong population but also provide essential nourishment and habitat for numerous other marine species.
Seagrass ecosystems play a critical ecological role, including carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change impacts. By maintaining these habitats, the reserve supports overall marine biodiversity while ensuring the survival of dugongs in their natural environment.
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About Dugongs
Dugongs, often referred to as “sea cows,” are unique marine herbivorous mammals that rely entirely on seagrass for their diet. They are slow-moving and gentle creatures, making them highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and human activities. In India, dugongs are primarily found in Palk Bay, where their population is the highest, but smaller groups also exist in Mannar Bay and the Gulf of Kachchh. The current estimated population in India is around 200 individuals, reflecting the urgent need for focused conservation efforts.
The dugong faces several threats, including habitat destruction, accidental capture in fishing nets, and poaching. Recognizing these challenges, the establishment of the Dugong Conservation Reserve provides a safe haven and emphasizes the importance of protecting this endangered species.
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Global and Legal Significance
Dugongs are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, highlighting their risk of extinction if immediate conservation measures are not implemented. Additionally, they are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting them the highest level of legal protection in India. The creation and recognition of the Dugong Conservation Reserve underscore India’s commitment to safeguarding its marine biodiversity while setting an example for global conservation efforts.
With this recognition, India has taken a major stride in Dugong Conservation, demonstrating that effective protection of marine mammals is possible through dedicated reserves, habitat preservation, and community involvement. The hope is that this initiative will inspire other countries to prioritize dugong protection, ensuring that future generations can witness these gentle sea cows thriving in their natural habitats.
