Search for the Elusive Mermaids
Survey of Dugong and its Sea Grass Habitats in the North West coast of Sri Lanka
Locally known as “Muhudu Ura(S)” or “Kadal pandi(T)” The Dugong is the only herbivorous marine
mammal found in Sri Lanka. the Dugong grows to 4 m.long and 1000 kg. in weight. The prefered
food of the Dugong is sea grass specially that which belong to genera Halophila sp. and Halodule
sp.. The North-western Sea board between Kalpitiya and Jaffna and stretching over the wide
continental shelf that connects Sri Lanka and India through the Palk-bay and Gulf of Mannar is the
last known habitat for the now scattered remnant Dugong herds.
The Dugong is the most highly threatened large animal in Sri Lanka. It is also the least known
and understood of Sri Lankan large mammals.
The 30 year war had made this zone un-accessible; Few incidental records of Dugongs being
caught and brought ashore or from sources within the armed forces was all that was known of
these animals during this period. today in the post war era the area is increasingly coming under
human pressure as all fishing restrictions that were in place has been lifted and major
development activities from tourism to increased agricultural run-off to Oil drilling activities are
threatening the regions bio-diversity. The threat of Indian fishing vessels illegally poaching in Sri
Lankan waters operating large bottom trawl nets are believed to contribute significantly to the
degradation of Sea grass habitats and the remaining populations of Dugongs in the area.
The Dugong when encountered is still considered a valuable commodity as its meat is highly
priced which would lead to high number of kills of the encountered animals.
Mixed Seagrass beds Cymodoce and Syringodium spp.
Syringodium dominated Sea grass beds at Vankalai
Enhalus sp. dominated Sea grass beds.
Halophila is the prefered food species for Dugongs.
The Palk-bay/ Gulf of Mannar region contain the most extensive areas of Sea grass habitats in Sri
Lanka. the sea grasses are important foraging grounds for the Dugong and sea turtles both
herbivorous and carnivorous species and a host of other organisms including many fishery
important fin fish species. the Sea grass meadows are also important nursery grounds for animals
and also contribute significantly in stabilizing the substrates and preventing erosion during the
rough seas during the Monsoon periods. They are also important as carbon sinks and as a major
source of primary production.
Currently the conservation of Sea grass habitats and the Near extinct Dugong feature very low on
conservation priorities in Sri Lanka. It is expected that the data generated through this project
would play a pivotal role and a valuable tool in changing perceptions and driving future
conservation and resource management policy planning and action in Sri Lanka.
