What are dugongs, and why is India setting up a reserve for their conservation?

There is more good news for the animal planet in India. After reintroducing the once-extinct cheetahs, the country is now doing all it can to conserve the dugong, the largest herbivorous marine mammal, also known as the sea cow.

India is getting its first Dugong Conservation Reserve and it has been notified in Tamil Nadu, according to a statement by the state government. The move is aimed at conserving the vulnerable species, which in turn will improve the marine fauna in the country.

Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Forests for the government of Tamil Nadu said, “We have scripted history and this is yet another milestone in the conservation history of Tamil Nadu. The notification is a very proud moment for TN Forest Department and conservationists across the globe.”

India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve gets Notified in Palk Bay,Gulf of Mannar Tamil Nadu.A feat achieved under the guidance of CM @mkstalin Congratulations Team #TNForest We are unstoppable