Focused and inclusive actions could ensure the persistence of East Africa's last known viable dugong subpopulation

• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12702
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04T15:43:32Z
• Authors: Evan Trotzuk; Ken Findlay; Alima Taju; Vic Cockcroft; Almeida Guissamulo; Armindo Araman; Lorena Matos; Angela Gaylard
• Keywords: Seascape

Abstract Although the dugongs of Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago are last known viable subpopulation along East African coast, they remain threatened by a variety anthropogenic and natural pressures that must be addressed to ensure their persistence. We aimed establish recent trends in dugong abundance through series aerial surveys carried out between 2017 2021 over seascape. also assessed hotspots distribution this region where targeted conservation measures may prove most effective. Finally, we modeled population growth mortality rates under varying scenarios better understand level risk mortality. derived total 325 SD 145 dugongs. While estimates from study those 2006–2007 (359 137) suggest has not changed significantly past 15 years, confidence intervals these too wide detect potentially small changes relative subpopulation's size. The sightings within seascape 5‐year period indicates two core zones, one which occurs outside limits established areas. Population viability analyses demonstrated variability around unnatural would cause long‐term decline abundance. Together, results provide strong motivations for higher actions such as expansion management formal marine protected areas listing IUCN Red List Threatened Species. Our highlights importance developing alternative livelihoods sustainably managing small‐scale fisheries collaboration with local communities other stakeholders order reduce prevalence fishing equipment activities directly or indirectly threaten