Global News - November 2007

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Dugong on verge of extinction in Qatar

Fri 23 November 2007 13:35 UK — Asia,Marine Wildlife

The dugong faces extinction in Arabian Gulf waters unless urgent action is taken to protect its habitat and main source of food, sea grass, the government of Qatar has warned.

Announcing plans to launch a major study into the situation facing the endangered sea mammal, the country's Supreme Council for Environment and Natural Reserves (SCENR), told the Peninsula that it hopes the survey will allow it to better protect the species.

Qatar is home to the world's second largest population of dugongs, with estimates putting their population in the Arabian Gulf at 7,500, but they are under threat due to habitat loss from construction work as well as pollution and fishing.

Ghanem Mohammed Abdullah, Director of Wildlife Conservation at SCENR, said: "Qatar is therefore a central part of the dugong's range and this unique mammal is facing serious threat."

"An immediate intervention is necessary for combating threats from fishing, pollution and its habitat loss," he added.

The Qatari government also announced it is hopeful of co-operation from neighbouring countries including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as enlisting the support of both a regional airline and a team of international scientists.

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