Survival prospects and conservation needs of the dugong in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka is a northern Indian Ocean island where the dugong (Dugong dugon) was once common in the Gulf of Mannar off the northwestern coast. While this population has declined due to excessive hunting and accidental bycatch, its recent status was unknown, due to a dearth of studies during the past three decades. An interview survey was undertaken in areas of previous dugong occurrence to fill this knowledge gap. The survey determined the continued presence of the dugong in these waters despite a drastic decline in numbers. Local fishing communities were knowledgeable about dugong occurrence, life history, threats and population decline. Despite the dugong being legally protected in Sri Lanka, the remaining population continues to be illegally hunted due to inadequate implementation and enforcement of existing legislation. The problem is exacerbated by the existence of a demand driven market for dugong flesh which is considered a delicacy among the human population. Therefore this already depleted dugong population continues to be threatened with local extirpation if immediate conservation measures are not initiated. Given the impoverished socio-economic circumstances of local fishing communities, innovative community-based conservation approaches are needed and recommended in order to ensure the long-term survival of this dugong population.