Context:

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially recognized India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve during the World Conservation Congress 2025.

Dugong Conservation Reserve: Establishment and Details

Establishment:

• It is India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve, notified on 21 September 2022 by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• It covers the northern Palk Bay region of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts.
• Area: 448.34 sq. km.

Ecological Significance:

• The region hosts more than 12,250 hectares of seagrass meadows, which are the primary food source for Dugongs (Dugong dugon).
• These meadows provide shelter not only for Dugongs but also for fish, crabs, prawns, and other marine species, forming the livelihood base of local fishermen.

Conservation Efforts:

• Innovative methods such as bamboo and coconut rope frames have been adopted for restoring seagrass meadows.
• Between 2021–2025, 16 Dugongs were rescued and released.
• Local communities have been sensitized, leading to increased reporting to the Forest Department in case of accidental captures.
• Additionally, an International Dugong Conservation Centre is being established at Manora, Thanjavur.

Geographic Context:

• Palk Bay is a shallow bay that provides an ideal habitat for Dugongs.
• In India, Dugong populations are mainly found in the Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Dugong Species: Features and Conservation Status

Dugong (Dugong dugon):

• A rare marine mammal often called the “sea cow.”
• Mainly found in tropical and subtropical marine waters.

Classification:

• Scientific name: Dugong dugon
• Family: Dugongidae
• Order: Sirenia

Physical and Lifestyle Characteristics:

• Length: ~2.5–3.5 meters
• Weight: ~250–400 kg
• Herbivore: Feeds primarily on seagrass
• Swimming: Moves slowly, usually near the surface
• Reproduction: Gestation of 13–15 months; usually one calf born
• Distribution: Found in tropical and subtropical waters such as the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.

• • In India: Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Reproduction specifics: Sexual maturity at 9–10 years; birth interval of 3–5 years; population growth rate max ~5% per year (very slow).

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I (trade prohibited)
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection)
• CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): Appendix II; India is a signatory to the Dugong MoU since 2008
• Population in India: Estimated 150–200 (mainly concentrated in Palk Bay)

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

• Full Name: International Union for Conservation of Nature
• Founded: 5 October 1948, Fontainebleau, France
• Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland
• Type: Non-governmental, international organization
• Objective: To ensure conservation of nature and sustainable use of natural resources
• Membership: ~1,400 government and non-government organizations from over 170 countries
• Employees: ~900 full-time staff working worldwide
• Work Areas: Nature conservation, biodiversity protection, sustainable resource management, development initiatives
• Key Activities: Data collection and analysis, research, regional conservation projects, policy support, education, and awareness campaigns
• Major Achievement: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – the world’s most authoritative source on the status of threatened species

Other Facts:

• IUCN World Conservation Congress is held every four years where members vote on global conservation agendas.
• IUCN acts as an observer at the United Nations and supports various international environmental treaties.
• Provides advice and collaboration to governments, businesses, and stakeholders on environmental conservation.

Note: At the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 (Abu Dhabi), India’s Dugong Conservation Reserve received recognition with 98% government support and 94.8% NGO support, highlighting its global importance.

IUCN World Conservation Congress

• The largest global platform for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
• Held: Every four years
• Participants: Governments, civil society, indigenous groups, businesses, academia, and decision-makers
• Objectives:
• • Define the global conservation agenda
  • Strengthen environmental governance
  • Promote nature-based solutions to environmental challenges
  • Ensure equitable distribution of conservation responsibilities

Three Main Components:

1. Forum: The largest marketplace of knowledge and innovation related to conservation and sustainable development, covering economic, social, scientific, and technological aspects.
2. Exhibition: Members, businesses, partners, and academic institutions showcase pavilions and research work.
3. Members’ Assembly: The highest decision-making body of IUCN where members vote on conservation and sustainable development issues.

Recent Congress (2025):

• Venue: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Theme: Transformative Conservation Power