In the clear, shallow waters of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, a quiet, slow-moving marine mammal grazes across seagrass meadows — a species many people have never seen in the wild, and one that could soon disappear without urgent conservation action.
The dugong (Dugong dugon), sometimes called the “sea cow,” is now listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). And while most subpopulations in this vast region have faced local extirpation, there remains one critical stronghold: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique.
As of 2022, an estimated 325 dugongs (Tortzuk, 2022) remain in this area — the last known viable population in the entire Western Indian Ocean, according to research presented by Evan Trotzuk (a contributed paper found in the Society for Conservation for Biology). This makes the conservation of Bazaruto’s dugongs not just a national priority, but a regional responsibility.
A Species in Retreat: Dugongs in the WIO
Historically, dugongs were found in shallow coastal waters from East Africa to the western Pacific. But in the WIO region, populations in Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and Comoros have either disappeared or become functionally extinct due to habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbance.
In some of these countries, dugong sightings are now so rare that long-term population estimates are no longer possible. Without Bazaruto, the WIO may lose its dugongs altogether.
The latest estimates suggest the Bazaruto subpopulation is isolated — meaning it’s not receiving genetic inflow from other regions — and therefore especially vulnerable to local threats.
Why Bazaruto Is the Dugong’s Last Refuge
The Bazaruto Archipelago National Park (BANP) offers one of the most ecologically intact marine environments in the WIO. With expansive seagrass meadows, low coastal development, and relatively low boat traffic, it provides ideal dugong habitat — for now.
Key factors supporting the survival of dugongs in Bazaruto:
- Extensive seagrass beds: Their primary food source
- Protected marine area: BANP restricts harmful activities
- Shallow, warm coastal waters: Preferred dugong habitat
- Cultural awareness: Local communities have strong ties to the ocean
But survival is not guaranteed. Like many marine mammals, dugongs are long-lived and slow to reproduce, which makes population recovery slow and declines hard to reverse.
Image: Unsplash
Why Dugongs Matter: Ecological & Cultural Importance
Saving dugongs is not just about protecting a single species — it’s about preserving the health of the entire coastal ecosystem.
Ecological Role
- Dugongs are keystone herbivores in shallow marine ecosystems.
- They maintain healthy seagrass meadows by grazing, which encourages regrowth and increases biodiversity.
- Seagrass meadows act as carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of CO₂ — vital in fighting climate change.
Cultural and Economic Value
- Dugongs have long been part of local folklore in East Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Their presence supports eco-tourism and educational programs in conservation hubs like Bazaruto.
- Losing dugongs would be a loss not just for biodiversity, but for the cultural heritage and sustainable tourism potential of the region.
Indicator of Ecosystem Health
- Because dugongs are sensitive to habitat degradation, they serve as early warning indicators for broader marine ecosystem health.
- If dugongs disappear, it’s a red flag for the collapse of seagrass beds, fish populations, and coastal stability.
Image: Unsplash
Threats to the Dugong’s Survival in Mozambique
Despite its relative safety in Bazaruto, the dugong population is under increasing pressure:
- Seagrass loss from sedimentation, cyclones, and coastal development
- Boat collisions, especially as tourism increases
- Fishing net entanglement, even within protected areas
- Low genetic diversity due to population isolation
A population of 325 individuals may seem stable, but it is dangerously close to the threshold for long-term viability — particularly if one extreme weather event or oil spill were to occur.
A Regional Wake-Up Call
The decline of dugongs across the WIO is a warning. Without urgent conservation coordination — across Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar, Kenya, and island nations — this species could vanish from the region within our lifetime.
Conservationists and researchers are calling for:
- Expansion and better enforcement of marine protected areas
- Investment in seagrass mapping and restoration
- Community outreach and education programs
- Cross-border collaboration between NGOs, governments, and research institutions
Bazaruto is more than a beautiful marine reserve — it is the last safe haven for dugongs in the region. Protecting this species means protecting the seagrass ecosystems, fisheries, and local economies that depend on it.
More information:
For questions about this article, please contact:
Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org
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