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The Distribution of Dugongs and the Status of Seagrass in the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India

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Abstract

Dugong are one of the marine mammals known to occur in the Gulf of Kachchh (GoK), Gujarat, India. In the past, very few studies were focused on dugong in the GoK, when studies did occur, they only employed interview surveys and stranding record-based methods. This study was carried out with the purpose of obtaining information based on interview surveys of the local fishermen, land-based monitoring, boat surveys and intertidal area survey for habitat assessment. In the course of the study, a single live sighting of dugong was observed, the first in twenty years. In addition, characteristic feeding trails were detected at six different sites in the region. This study found, the distribution of dugong was identified to be between Okha and Bedi. Evaluation of habitat indicated five different species of seagrass of which, Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis were found to be most commonly occurring in the GoK, and has produced seagrass distribution maps through Remote Sensing. Seagrass area was estimated to be around 22.93 (23) km2 in GoK. Maps of seagrass species and area indicate potential dugong habitat in the GoK.

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Acknowledgements

We are thankful to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, HoFF, and Wildlife, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India for their kind permission to study and support. We also thank Director of Marine National Park and Sanctuary, Jamnagar for their kind support. We are also thankful to Mr. Kamleshbhai Chudasama, Forest Officer, Bet Dwarka Range, Mr. Jivanbhai Chavda and Mr. Naranbhai Sonara, former Round Forester, Poshitra for their help and support. We also acknowledge all the staff of Marine National Park and Sanctuary (MNP&S), Jamnagar for their timely assistance.

Funding

The research was carried out through Department of Zoology, Gujarat University, and personal funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India

    Yashpal A. Anand, Linz Buoy George & Hyacinth Highland

Authors
  1. Yashpal A. Anand
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  2. Linz Buoy George
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  3. Hyacinth Highland
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Contributions

Y.A. Carried out the research work, collected and analyzed the data, wrote the main manuscript text and prepared Figs. 1, 2 and 3. L.B. monitored the research and data collection, checked data analysis and helped in interpretations and Discussion. H.H. Designed and planned the study, supervised the research and checked the data and manuscript.

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Correspondence to Yashpal A. Anand.

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Ethical Approval

Approval and necessary permission to carry out this research work in Marine National Park and Sanctuary (MNP&S), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India was duly taken from concerned authority. The study strictly adhered to all norms, rules and regulations stipulated in the Approval Body. The Animal nor its environment were not disturbed in any manner.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Anand, Y.A., George, L.B. & Highland, H. The Distribution of Dugongs and the Status of Seagrass in the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Thalassas (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41208-024-00702-5

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