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.
✓ Correct answer: c) 1 and 3
ExplanationStatement 1 is correct: Dugongs, or "sea cows," are ma- rine mammals that graze on seagrasses in shallow coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.As the only herbivorous mammal living exclusively in the sea, including in India, dugongs are crucial for maintaining healthy seagrass ecosystems, which support marine biodiversity.Statement 2 is incorrect: The dugong is not found along the entire coast of India.It is mainly found in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) and in the waters of An- daman and Nicobar Islands.The species has a restricted dis- tribution and is not widespread along India's entire coastline..Statement 3 is correct: The dugong is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides it with the highest level of protection in India.As a protected species, hunt- ing, poaching, or harm to the dugong is illegal.218
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