Chairing the sixth meeting of National CAMPA Advisory Council (NCAC) here, Javadekar informed that protection of the five endangered species of Dugong, Gangetic Dolphin, Great Indian Bustard, Manipur Brow Antler Deer (Sangai) and Wild Water Buffalo, have been taken up by the government on a priority basis.

"An effort is being made to protect the endangered species of fauna through Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) assistance. Assistance to the tune of Rs 20 crores has been earmarked to protect the endangered species," he said.

Dugong, popularly known as sea cow, is found on theGujarat coast (Kutch) and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They feed on sea grass and mostly get caught in big fishing nets.

Environment Ministry officials said that their rate of reproduction is less as it happens after a few years and the funds allocated to the programme will help in augmenting sea grass and protecting the species.

According to reports, there were also talks of setting a special task force earlier for its protection.

There are altogether 17 endangered species in India but these five species are highly endangered. However, the conservation efforts by the Ministry for other such species will continue, the official said.

Meanwhile Gangetic dolphins, found mostly in Chambal and Ganga are also threatened species whose numbers are dwindling mostly owing to being caught in fishing nets, pressures of sand mining and others factors.

The Great Indian Bustard is found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharastra. The species lay their eggs in grasslands but their eggs are eaten by other animals, ministry officials said.

"This programme will help in consolidation of their habitat. It will also help in rearing of its eggs in captivity and help in increasing their numbers," an official said.

Wild Water Buffalo is another critically endangered species and officials said that there are only 7-8 such animals left in India in which only one is female.