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

A relict dugong population resides in the Gulf of Kachchh (GoK), Gujarat, India. Very little is known about this population stemming from a lack of focused studies and inadequate examination of previous strandings. The present study gathers crucial ecological information through a systematic post-mortem examination of stran­ded dugongs in GoK. As indicated through dorsal tusk-rake scars on two carcasses, this study presents records of derivative physical evidence. Progressive healing and differences in the width of the scars indicated more than two individuals had participated in a sexual agno­stic or courtship event. Conversely, our findings report that both animals suffered relative effects of asphyxiation after fishing net entanglement. The implication of a prior pathological condition(s) in the form of dermal cysts, swollen mesenteric lymph nodes and endoparasites is also reported. Stomach content was examined for a qualitative dietary characterization. Halophila beccari, Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis were found in the stomach content. Other potential threats as well as fishing net microfilaments found in the stomach con­tents of both dugongs are discussed