With reference to ‘dugong’, a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It is a herbivorous marine animal.
2. It is found along the entire coast of India.
3. It is given legal protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this option is correct:

Statement 1 is correct:
The dugong (Dugong dugon), commonly known as the "sea cow," is a large herbivorous marine mammal. It feeds primarily on seagrasses, making it the only strictly herbivorous marine mammal, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy coastal seagrass ecosystems.

Statement 2 is incorrect:
Dugongs are not found along the entire coast of India. In Indian waters, their population is highly fragmented and restricted to specific regions. They are primarily found in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, the Gulf of Kutch, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are absent from major stretches of both the east and west coasts of the Indian mainland.

Statement 3 is correct:
To protect the species from hunting, habitat loss, and entanglement in fishing nets, the dugong is given the highest level of legal protection in India. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which prohibits hunting and trade of the animal and prescribes the harshest penalties for violations.

Therefore, since statements 1 and 3 are correct and statement 2 is incorrect, the correct option is 1 and 3 only.