DUGONG (DUGONG DUGON) CONSERVATION STATUS IN KENYA; AN ASSESSMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION AND THREATS

Abstract

This study assessed the distribution status, threats, and conservation practices of dugongs (Dugong dugon) in Kenya. Globally, dugongs are classified as rare by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Kenya has also classified dugongs as endangered under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013 (Cap 376), thus making dugongs a conservation priority. The main objective of this study was to assess the distribution, status, and threats to dugong conservation in Kenya since the 1960s. It employed a concurrent triangulation study design involving desktop reviews, guided interviews, and focus group discussions (FGD), to collect and collate socio-economic data of study participants. A sample of 192 fishers was used. Aerial surveys of the ocean and seagrass habitat were used to assess the distribution of dugongs. Collected data were coded and analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Obtained results indicated a sharp decline in the population of dugongs over time. Two dugongs, one in Shimoni and the other in Kiunga, were sighted during the marine aerial survey in 2016. An increase in human activities in dugong habitats, use of motorized boats, poor fishing methods that destroy seagrass meadows, targeted and accidental netting, and other natural causes such as El Nino rains were found to be a threat to the survival of dugongs. Previously, dugongs were thought of as a good source of food by interviewed communities, however, this thinking has changed over time to identifying dugongs as a species of conservation importance and a tourist attraction. Other anthropogenic threats such as incidental catch and habitat degradation have also exacerbated the decline in dugong populations. To further the conservation of dugong species in Kenya, this study recommends the continuous creation of awareness and education to stakeholders on dugong conservation; intensification of conservation of seagrass meadows in dugong hotspots, and the enforcement of policies and regulations on fishing. Moreover, delineation of dugong sanctuaries in Kiunga needs to be considered and conservation efforts in dugong hotspots strengthened by compensating communities living in these areas for their conservation efforts.