---
title: "Dugong (Dugong dugon): Status & Protection | Model Diplomat"
description: "The dugong is a seagrass-grazing marine mammal protected under India's Wildlife Act Schedule I. Covers its IUCN status, habitat, CMS listing and UPSC relevance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/dugong"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The dugong is a large herbivorous marine mammal of the order Sirenia, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and given the highest protection under Indian law.
- Under which Indian law is the dugong protected, and what does that protection entail?
- How does a dugong differ from a manatee?
- Where do dugongs survive in Indian waters?
- Why is seagrass conservation central to dugong survival?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The dugong is a large herbivorous marine mammal of the order Sirenia, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and given the highest protection under Indian law.

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In September 2022 the Tamil Nadu government notified India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve across roughly 448 square kilometres of Palk Bay to protect seagrass habitat and the state's small surviving dugong population.

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