With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3
4. 3 only

Explanation

Statement 1 and 3 are correct and statement 2 is incorrect

• Dugong is one of four living species of Sea cows. It is the largest herbivorous marine mammal.
• Sea cows: They are an order of fully aquatic, herbivorous mammals that inhabit swamps, rivers, estuaries, marine wetlands, and coastal marine waters.
• Distribution: East Africa, South Asia, SE Asia, East Asia and Australia. In India, it is found in the Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar, A&N Islands, and Gulf of Kutch.
• Habitat: Coastal areas (shallow to medium deep) with warm waters (15-17°C) and seagrass beds of sub-tropical and tropical species of seagrass.
• Threats: Loss of seagrass beds, shipping, fishing, recreational activities, pollution and natural disasters.
• IUCN: VU | CITES: Appx I | CMS: Appx II | WPA: Sch I
• India’s first dugong conservation reserve is being set up in Palk Bay in TN.

Answer: (c) 1 and 3; Difficulty Level: Hard