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Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2022-06-0228 |
Title of Abstract | The status of Dugong conservation in Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat |
Authors | Prachi Hatkar*, Sameeha Pathan, Shivani Patel, Gem Christian , Dr. Antony Johnson , Dr. K,Sivakumar |
Organisation | Wildlife Institute of India |
Address | 501 Devdatta co op Ho So Rajaram Tawade Road Dahisar West Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Pincode: 400068 Mobile: 9892327417 E-mail: pprachi62@gmail.com |
Country | India |
Presentation | Oral |
Abstract | Dugong (Dugong dugon) populations all over India are on the verge of extinction. The megaherbivore about 10 to 15 dugongs were estimated in the Gulf of Kutch according to GEER Foundation. Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with Gujarat Forest Department, other line implementing stakeholders like Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, NGOs, Marine Police and divers and local communities in carrying out detailed population and habitat surveys to address the gaps in the knowledge of Dugong ecology in the marine protected area of Gulf of Kutch. Existing Dugong habitats have already been identified by conducting extensive field and questionnaire surveys by the Wildlife Institute of India. Drone surveys are being conducted by WII to generate baseline information on the occupancy and population status of Dugongs in marine protected areas. The seagrass beds are the foraging grounds of Dugongs with characteristics including depth, species composition, shoot density, patchiness. Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) of seagrass meadows is being conducted with the help of seagrass-associated benthic fauna. Threats in terms of litter pollution and boat traffic are being assessed and monitored. Extensive awareness campaigns for spreading conservation needs for this charismatic species and its habitats are conducted reaching out to the locals and fishermen communities. Dugong volunteers and ambassadors network has been established to report the direct sighting and to report stranding. Capacity-building programs for the Gujarat Forest Department to improve the management of dugongs and their habitats in the Gulf of Kutch have been conducted on yearly basis. New seagrass meadows and foraging sites of dugongs have been identified in the Gulf of Kutch. Sighting and stranding reports have been reported after a decade through the locals and forest officials. The baseline data on polychlorinated-bi-phenyls contamination in the critical dugong habit have been assessed. Total 50 stakeholders have been trained for drone surveys and seagrass habitat monitoring. Till now 207 students have benefitted from Dugong scholarship programs. The awareness programs have reached out to more than 10, 000 people through social media awareness campaigns. These measures will ensure to conserve and manage the declining population of Dugongs in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat. Keywords: Dugong, Gujarat, ecology, Seagrass, Gulf of Kutch Corresponding author: ksivakumar@wii.gov.in |