UPSC Prelims 2015 Q19: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
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.
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (c) 1 and 3
Explanation
Dugong (sea cow)
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a herbivorous marine animal | Correct | It grazes on seagrass; the only strictly plant-eating marine mammal |
| 2. It is found along the entire coast of India | Incorrect | Only in a few places with seagrass beds |
| 3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 | Correct | Schedule I, the highest protection |
Where dugongs live in India:
| Area | State or Territory |
|---|---|
| Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay | Tamil Nadu |
| Gulf of Kutch | Gujarat |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | State animal of the islands |
Other facts: IUCN status Vulnerable; India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve was notified in Palk Bay in 2022.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; dugongs are not found along the entire coast.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is the false one; they live only near seagrass beds.
- (c) CORRECT. The dugong is a herbivorous marine animal protected under Schedule I.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: it is a herbivore.
Key point
Dugong: seagrass-eating marine mammal; Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, Andamans; Schedule I; Vulnerable; reserve in Palk Bay (2022).
Remember
Dugong: herbivore, Schedule I, limited range.
Common mistakes
- Accepting 'entire coast'; dugongs need seagrass meadows.
- Confusing the dugong with the dolphin or the manatee.
- Forgetting it is the state animal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Exam tip
Dugong = sea cow = grazes on seagrass. No seagrass, no dugong.
Sources
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — Schedule I
- Wildlife Institute of India — Dugong Recovery Programme