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The dugong in India - is it going the way of the dodo

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Relation http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/2355/
 
Title The dugong in India - is it going the way of the dodo
 
Creator Silas, E G
Fernando, A Bastian
 
Subject Sea cow
 
Description The residual population of the dugong Dugong dugon in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay is today the most vulnerable marine mammal in this region. The sudden escalation of the illegal take of dugongs is discussed here. The number captured or slaughtered has multiplied by 14 times or
more within the past 2 years. The use of dynamite sticks is accelerating the possible depletion of this
animal aided by other factors such as sail boat trawling along the shore line and the sea grass beds
both day and night. The habitat perturbations due to excessive and unregulated mechanised fishing
has also become a very critical factor not only disturbing the animals but in incidental capture as well
as destroying their grazing grounds. The methods of illegal take, disposal and other related aspects
are discussed here. The role that Community Councils and religious leaders could play in the conservation
programme for the dugong is stressed. There is a need for an international approach to the
problem of conservation and management of the dugong population in this region. This as well as
the priority steps to be considered at national level are detailed here.
 
Date 1988
 
Type Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed
 
Format application/pdf
 
Language en
 
Identifier http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/2355/1/Article_31.pdf
Silas, E G and Fernando, A Bastian (1988) The dugong in India - is it going the way of the dodo. In: Proceedings of the Symposium on Endangered Marine Animals and Marine Parks ; MBAI, 12-16 January 1985, Cochin.