Context:
Once abundant in Indian waters, Dugong population has now reduced to about 200.
Dugong:
- Common Name: Sea Cow
- Classification: Marine mammal; belongs to the order Sirenia
- Habitat: Coastal shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region
- Diet: Herbivorous, primarily feeds on seagrass
- Distribution in India – Found in waters around Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Largest population in Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay
- Conservation Status –
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection)
- CITES Listing: Appendix I (strict international protection)
- Conservation Measures – Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu (first of its kind in India)
- Significance in Marine Ecosystem –
- Dugongs help in maintaining seagrass bed health, crucial for marine biodiversity
- Act as indicator species for ocean health
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Consider the following kinds of organisms:
1. Copepods
2. Cyanobacteria
3. Diatoms
4. Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Copepods and Foraminifera are not primary producers.