What's New :
Gist of India Year Book (IYB) 2024. Download Here...
Thematic Current Affairs Compilation. Download here...

Experts on Tamil Nadu’s decision to go ahead with dugong reserve in Palk Bay

  • Published
    26th Feb, 2022
Context

Tamil Nadu government recently established a conservation reserve for the elusive dugong in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay between India and Sri Lanka.

About

About Dugong:

  • The dugong is a species of sea cow found throughout the warm latitudes of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
  • It is the only member of the Dugongidae family.
  • The dugong, like all sea cows, is herbivorous
  • It primarily grazes on sea grasses and therefore spends most of its time in sea grass beds. 
  • Unlike the closely related manatees, the dugong never enters freshwater and is therefore the only exclusively marine mammal that is herbivorous. 
  • The marine animal has been enlisted vulnerable to extinction on a global scale by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
  • In India, they are found in the Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Dugong or the sea cow is the State animal of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

About Dugong Conservation Reserve:

  • India’s first Dugong conservation reserve will be built in Tamil Nadu for the conservation of Dugong.
  • The reserve will spread over an area of 500 km in Palk Bay on the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu.
  • Palk Bay is a semi-enclosed shallow water body with a water depth maximum of 13 meters.
  • Causes of extinction: The reasons for the extinction of the animal are slow breeding rate, fishing, and the loss of habitat.

GS Mains Classes GS Classes 2024 GS Classes 2024 UPSC Study Material
X

Verifying, please be patient.

Our Centers

DELHI (Karol Bagh)

GS SCORE, 1B, Second Floor, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi - 110005 (Beside Karol Bagh Metro Station Gate No. 8)

Get directions on Google Maps

BHUBANESWAR (Jaydev Vihar)

GS SCORE, Plot No.2298, Jaydev Vihar Square, Near HCG Day Care, BBSR - 751013

Get directions on Google Maps

LUCKNOW (Aliganj)

GS SCORE, 2nd Floor, B-33, Sangam Chauraha, Sector H, Aliganj, Lucknow, UP - 226024

Get directions on Google Maps

Enquire Now