A dugong calf was rescued and released in the sea near Mandapam, in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, thanks to the efforts of Thiru Jeykandhan, a compassionate local individual. Dugongs are critically endangered and found only in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman and Nicobar islands.
The Indian government has notified India's first ‘Dugong Conservation Reserve’ in Palk Bay covering coastal waters of Thanjavur and Pudukottai districts with an area of 448 square kilometers. Dugongs are the largest herbivorous marine mammals and live on seagrasses. A survey about the seagrass area has been completed and the government is working on setting up a Dugong Conservation Centre at Thanjavur, which will be a landmark in conservation efforts.
The rescue of the dugong calf is a heartwarming story and a testament to the importance of conservation efforts. Dugongs play an important role in the marine ecosystem and their protection is essential. The Tamil Nadu government's efforts to establish a Dugong Conservation Reserve and Centre are a welcome step in this direction.
We hope that Thiru Jeykandhan's story will inspire others to take action to protect these endangered creatures.
