Question 54 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Environment

Question

With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, consider the following statements:
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.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 1 and 3

Strategy: Verify each statement by connecting key facts about the dugong: its herbivorous diet, its limited distribution in Indian waters, and its Schedule I protection status. This process allows for the elimination of incorrect claims and the confirmation of correct ones.

Key Info: **Dugong (Dugong dugon)**
A large marine mammal belonging to the order Sirenia.

**Diet and Habitat**
Dugongs are strictly herbivorous, feeding primarily on seagrass in shallow coastal waters.

**Distribution in India**
Their presence in India is limited to specific areas and is not continuous along the entire coastline. Key locations include:
- Gulf of Mannar
- Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu
- Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands

**Conservation Status**
The IUCN Red List classifies the species as Vulnerable due to threats such as habitat degradation, accidental catch, and hunting. In India, it is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of legal protection.

**Ecological Role**
Dugongs are essential for maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems, which support marine biodiversity and contribute to carbon sequestration.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 3 only

With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, consider the following statements: It is a herbivorous marine animal. It is found along the entire coast of India. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Which of the above statements is/are correct?