Marine Conservation Analysis Of Dugong Life Habitat Ecosystem

Abstract

The dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large marine mammal belonging to the order Sirenia and is one of four living species of sea cows, along with the manatees. Dugongs are found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting shallow coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and seagrass beds, making them highly dependent on seagrass ecosystems for their survival. The dugong is classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with population declines attributed to habitat loss, hunting, accidental capture, and climate change. Therefore, conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of the dugong and the maintenance of the ecological services provided by seagrass ecosystems. The current state of knowledge on dugongs and their conservation can be synthesized based on the findings of the ten selected references. Overall, these references provide evidence for the importance of seagrass meadows as habitat and food source for dugongs, as well as for the numerous threats facing this species. Overall, the reviewed literature underscores the importance of engaging local com-munities in dugong conservation efforts. Community-based conservation interventions have the potential to reduce hunting pressure on dugongs and promote positive attitudes towards conservation. Furthermore, the recognition of the cultural significance of dugongs can foster greater community involvement and support for conservation initiatives.