Asia

Dugong Report Cover

A Global Assessment of Dugong Status and Conservation Needs

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) contracted James Cook University to prepare a new edition of the 2002 publication: ‘Dugong: status report and action pl

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UN Wildlife Treaty Releases New Reports on Importance of Community-Led Conservation

Community-led conservation strategies can be instrumental for the successful conservation of migratory species according to two major reports released by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), a global wildlife treaty of the United Nations. The report Community Participation and Livelihoods focuses on 10 key guiding principles for community-led conservation strategies, while the study Potential for Community-Based Wildlife Management in Central Asia presents real-world insights into how community-led initiatives can achieve biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
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International Climate Initiative (IKI) delegation applauds seagrass conservation efforts in Thailand

Trang, Thailand - October 2023

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First Dugong Conservation Reserve Established in India

The government of India has officially announced the establishment of a Dugong Conservation Reserve.

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New Review Finds the Consumption of Wild Meat of Aquatic Megafauna Protected Under CMS to be Widespread Throughout the Tropics

Published on 21 March was a review of the literature and overview of the contemporary use of aquatic megafauna (cetaceans, sirenians, chelonians, and crocodylians) in the global tropics and subtropics, for 37 species listed on the Appendices of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
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The Kingdom of Bahrain Accedes to CMS

The Kingdom of Bahrain has acceded to the Convention bringing the number of Parties to 133.  It joins the ever-growing number of contracting Parties from Asia. The Kingdom of Bahrain, whose capital is Manana, is an island country located in the Persian Gulf that comprises an archipelago of natural islands and artificial islands with a total land area of 728 km2 and approximately 3000 km2 of territorial waters. 
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2018/010: New Signatory to the CMS Dugong MOU

The Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in its capacity as Depositary of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management

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Dugong rescued and released near Thanjavur, India

A 12-feet male dugong caught while fishing was rescued and released by fishermen with the assistance of marine police and forest personnel in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Executive Summary: 

The Global Dugong Genetics Project aims to examine the phylogeography of the dugong based on historical samples from throughout the dugong’s range. It will update conservation and management actions through mapping the distribution of discrete dugong populations; identifying historical and potential migratory routes; and highlighting small populations as a priority for conservation. The Project was a collaboration between James Cook University and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

 

Background:

From 2011–2013 genetic sampling took place and from 2013–2015 analysis was undertaken. To date, a total of 217 samples of dugongs held in European museum collections have been analysed to reveal the population genetic structure of the dugong throughout its range. The results will be disseminated in the form of a scientific paper that is currently pending publication.

The Secretariat would like to encourage the collection and stockpiling of genetic samples so that when financial and technical resources become available, a comprehensive analysis can be conducted.  Stockpiling genetic samples is important to mitigate the issues associated with collecting contemporary samples due to the scarcity, low numbers, and relative inaccessibility of dugongs. Protocols for collecting genetic samples are available in the genetics advice from James Cook University. The CMS Dugong MOU Secretariat can assist in the coordination of stockpiling genetic samples upon request.

 

 

 

 

Executive summary

The Global Dugong Genetics Project aims to examine the phylogeography of the dugong based on historical samples from throughout the dugong’s range. It will update conservation and management actions through mapping the distribution of discrete dugong populations; identifying historical and potential migratory routes; and highlighting small populations as a priority for conservation. The Project was a collaboration between James Cook University and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Jul 09, 2018Read more

Executive Summary:

The Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit is an initiative by TOTAL, Total Abu Al Bukhoosh, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and CMS Dugong MOU to provide an easily accessible online resource that incorporates decision-making for the selection of the most appropriate methodologies for studies of dugongs, seagrasses and the associated human communities.

 

Background:

The Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit has been developed to provide an easily accessible online resource that incorporates decision-making for the selection of the most appropriate methodologies for studies of dugongs, seagrasses and the associated human communities. The Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit is targeted for use by researchers, non-government/civil society managers and decision-makers in dugong Range States. Development of the Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit commenced in September 2015 and has been led by the Dugong Technical Group.

The Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit was launched at the Third Meeting of Signatories to the Dugong MOU in March 2017. A documentary about the Toolkit provides a useful overview of the why the Toolkit is making a significant contribution to dugong and seagrass conservation.

The Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit is available online at www.conservation.tools.

Executive summary

The Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit is an initiative by TOTAL, Total Abu Al Bukhoosh, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and CMS Dugong MOU to provide an easily accessible online resource that incorporates decision-making for the selection of the most appropriate methodologies for studies of dugongs, seagrasses and the associated human communities.

Objective

The Toolkit will show you which techniques are the most effective and efficient for your team capacity, budget and timeline to answer research questions about dugongs, seagrasses and the human communities that depend on them. The Dugong and Seagrass Research Toolkit is targeted for use by researchers, non-government/civil society managers and decision-makers in dugong Range States.

Jul 09, 2018Read more