THE EMERGENCY DUGONG PROTECTION PROJECT - BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO, MOZAMBIQUE
The Bazaruto Archipelago is heavily utilized for it’s marine resources, and tourism value, yet still manages to support the Western Indian Ocean’s last viable population of Dugongs. The Dugong is a near mythical marine mammal that once ranged Africa’s eastern coastline from Eritrea through to southern Mozambique. Today, as a result of by-catch, the Dugong is extinct in much of its range, and is expected to vanish from Africa within the next 40 years.
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| Photo courtesy: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/dugong/ |
The elusive Dugong occurs in shallow tropical and subtropical coastal and island waters of the Indo-pacific. These herbivores are seagrass specialists consuming 10% of their body mass in leafy vegetation each day. A mature adult can weigh up to 400kg, attain 3,5m and reach an age of 70. These gentle grazers are only able to produce 1 calf every 5 to 7 years after reaching maturity at 16 years. Not only are Dugongs at risk from drowning in gill nets throughout the Bazaruto Archipelago, their habitat is under threat from seine netting destruction.
The Dugong’s struggle to endure here is a perilous one, and one that requires urgent conservation attention. This is being applied through the Dugong Emergency Protection Project managed by the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The Project is implementing a range of conservation interventions that will secure core Dugong herds and habitat.
Skyhawk has partnered with the Endangered Wildlife Trust in the Bazaruto Archipelago in attempt to provide sustainable income for the Dugong Emergency Protection Project through the sale of various Skyhawk fine art products.
If you would like to support the EWT and the creatures of the Archipelago consider buying a breathtaking set of 11 limited edition postcards
The postcards feature unique aerial images of the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Mozambique coastline; habitat to the last remaining viable population of Dugong on the East African coastline; one of the worlds most endangered marine mammals.
Proceeds go directly to the project to set up crucial monitoring and infrastructure networks in the reserve and much needed educational programs.
A set of full colour extra large postcards costs R335 including postage (within South Africa)
Please e-mail jan@skyhawkphotography.com to place your order or phone 083 308 5102
www.skyhawkphotography.com
www.ewt.org.za/WHATWEDO/OurProgrammes/MarineandCoastalProgramme.aspx
