With reference to 'dugong', a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a herbivorous marine animal. 2. It is found along the entire coast of India. 3. It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

It is a herbivorous marine animal: This statement is correct. Dugongs (also known as sea cows) are the only strictly herbivorous marine mammals. They primarily feed on seagrasses found in shallow coastal waters.

It is found along the entire coast of India: This statement is incorrect. Dugongs have a fragmented distribution along the Indian coast. Significant populations and habitats in India are found in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. They are not found uniformly along the entire coastline, being highly dependent on the presence of seagrass beds.

It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: This statement is correct. Dugongs are highly vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and incidental capture in fishing gear. Recognizing their endangered status, they are accorded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which offers absolute protection to listed species.