DUGONG CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN

The Comoros are home to a number of endangered and vulnerable species.  Conservation Action Plans have already been devised for the green turtle, the coelacanth and Livingstone’s fruit bat; however, no plans have been created for conservation of the dugong despite the fact that this species is globally threatened with extinction. Several researchers have identified an urgent need for conservation plans for this species, although this has been hampered to date by a lack of scientific information.

This work will constitute the first comprehensive survey of the dugong in the Comoros and will result in the creation of an action plan and community-based monitoring program for the conservation of this species. The project will have far reaching, sustainable consequences, since protection of the dugong will also involve protection of marine habitats which are vital to local communities livelihoods, through fishing, eco-tourism and other natural resource use.

C3 organized the Day of the Dugong in Nioumachoua, Mohéli on 26th August 2006.

Dugong song 'Mze Ngouva (wma)

Dugong radio sketch (wma)

Dance of the Dugong (wma)

Alfthan B, Davis PZR (2006) DUGONG RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION ON MOHELI ISLAND, UNION OF THE COMOROS. Sirenews 46

Right: Dugong cartoon produced by C3 for awareness-raising materials