UPSC Prelims 2015 Question:

With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

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.
   
   

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Explanation:

• Dugong, the sea cow is an endangered marine species that survives on seagrass and other aquatic vegetation found in the area. It is the only extant species of the family Dugongidae and the only herbivorous mammal that is strictly marine. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• Dugongs are protected in India and occur in Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch and Andaman and Nicobar islands. Once abundant in Indian waters, the Dugong population has shrunk to around 200 individuals and is thought to be declining in both number and range. So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  

• Dugongs are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India which affords it the highest degree of protection under the Act. Also, for better protection of this marine mammal, India’s first Dugong conservation is built in Tamil Nadu. So, statement 3 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment |Biodiversity and Conservation