Conservation Reserve'. This reserve has been established in the Palk Bay, the coastal region of Tamil Nadu. This initiative was taken by the state government in September 2021 for the protection of Dugong. It was the plan of the Tamil Nadu government that with such an initiative the living areas of these sea creatures would be developed and protected.
Dugong Conservation Reserve
This reserve has been established in the Palk Bay covering the coastal region of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts of Tamil Nadu. The Dugong Conservation Reserve is spread over an area of 448 square kilometer.
Dugong
Dugong is one of the largest herbivorous marine mammals. Dugong is also known as 'Sea Cow'. They live in the marine area with sea grass. It is a species of sirenians. This creature is notified in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It is also included in the vulnerable category of the IUCN Red List. Dugong is considered an important part of the marine ecosystem. Therefore their protection is very important. Their habitat area is the breeding and feeding area of many fish and sea creatures.
These creatures are found in the Gulf of Mannar in India, the Palk Bay, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands region and the Gulf of Kutch in the coastal region of Gujarat.
These creatures eat sea grass, so conservation of sea grass area is very important. Trolling (a method of fishing) destroys sea grasses and coral reefs. Therefore, this type of activity should also be reviewed.
