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Palk Bay Dugong Reserve Hailed as IUCN Global Model

2 October 20251 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYPalk Bay DugongReserve Hailed asIUCN Global Model2 October 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

At the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, Tamil Nadu’s Palk Bay Dugong Conservation Reserve was held up as a worldwide example of marine protection.

Key facts

  • India’s first dugong reserve, notified September 2022 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Covers 448.34 sq. km of northern Palk Bay, including 12,250 hectares of seagrass.
  • Motion moved by Omcar Foundation; backed by 98% of countries and agencies and 94.8% of NGOs and research bodies.
  • Dugong (Dugong dugon) is Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Why seagrass matters

Seagrass meadows feed dugongs, sustain wider biodiversity and act as carbon sinks.

Exam angle

  • Legal basis: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; location: Palk Bay.
  • IUCN category of dugong: Vulnerable.

Test yourself

1. Under which law was India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay declared?

The notes state it was declared under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

2. What is the IUCN Red List status of the dugong, as noted for the Palk Bay reserve?

Dugong (Dugong dugon) is listed as Vulnerable.

3. Roughly how large is the Dugong Conservation Reserve in northern Palk Bay?

The reserve covers 448.34 sq. km; 12,250 hectares of it is seagrass.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 1 October 2025 (15 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizOctober 2025

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