Dugong Information from Lampi Marine National Park in Southern Myanmar

Abstract

The Union of Myanmar is one of the first signatory states of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Dugongs and Their Habitats Throughout Their Range. Dugong trails were observed on seagrass beds of Lampi and Nyaung Wee Islands of the Myeik Archipelago in Tanintharyi Region in Southern Myanmar. Occurrence of dugongs in Tanintharyi Region was reported by local people. These are important messages to formulate dugong conservation and management in Myanmar. Dugongs have been protected by Law since 1994 and they are placed under the "Completely Protected Animals" category. Effective conservation activities on dugong have not been carried out by Myanmar yet. Lack of promotion in effective and scientific management of terrestrial and marine protected areas to meet representative samples of ecosystems, particularly to marine and coastal, is a major challenge encountered pertaining to biodiversity conservation in Myanmar. Furthermore, development of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and its implementation is an urgent need of Myanmar.