Scars of hope and forewarn of a bleak future: Post-mortem findings of dugongs (Dugong dugon) belonging to a relict population in the Gulf of Kachchh, India

Abstract

A relict dugong population resides in the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat state of India. Very little is known on this population stemming from lack of focused studies and inadequate examinations of previous strandings. In this study, crucial ecological information is gathered through a systematic necropsy on stranded dugongs in the gulf. As indicated through dorsal tusk-rake scars on both the carcasses, this study presents first records of derivative physical evidence to the presence of a socially interacting population. Progressive healing and differences in width of the scars indicated more than two individuals had participated in a sexual agnostic or courtship event. Conversely, our findings report that both the animals suffered relative effects of asphyxiation after fishing net entanglement. An implication of a prior pathological condition(s) in the form of dermal cysts, swollen mesenteric lymph nodes, and endoparasites are also reported. Stomach content was examined for a qualitative dietary characterization. Other potential threats along with fishing net microfilaments found in the stomach contents of both dugongs are discussed in brief.