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Signs like these warn Florida boaters to be on the look-out for manatees.
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Manatí Conservación en Español This page is also available in Spanish.
The first recorded observations of manatees date back to Columbus' expedition in 1492. Even so, nearly everything we know about manatees has been learned in the last 25 years.
Because manatees are such large animals, they have few predators. Yet, manatees are one of the most endangered marine mammals. They are listed as vulnerable to extinction. This means that if their numbers do not increase and their habitats are not protected, the species may not survive. To add to their problems, manatees have a very slow reproductive cycle. Cows give birth only once every 3 to 5 years. At present, the number of deaths (natural and human related) are greater than the number of births. The West Indian (Antillean and Florida) manatee population is estimated at only about 2,500.
People are the major threat to these animals. Manatees are slow, non-aggressive animals which makes them easy to hunt. Their large bodies have a lot of meat so a single animal can feed a large family for a long time. In the United States, hunting is not the major problem, but habitat is. A quiet water habitat that can provide 100 pounds of water plants per day per manatee is key to their survival. Collisions with boats, getting tangled in discarded fishing lines or nets, and swallowing hooks or other trash are some of the dangers that manatees face.
Scientists are studying these animals to better understand and protect them. In the meantime, people have acted to protect manatees. Many of the warm springs that attract them in the winter are protected sanctuaries. It is illegal to enter or disturb manatees in the sanctuaries. It is also illegal to harass these gentle animals in any way. Violators are jailed and fined. In addition to law enforcement, education is also important to help people understand these unusual animals.
One of the ways that scientists learn about an animal is by closely monitoring its behavior. This can be difficult to do with an animal that can easily disappear underwater. To keep track of manatees for study, scientists attach a special float to their tail. Inside the float is a transmitter. Using a special radio or a satellite, scientists can track the movements of the "tagged" animal. Wildlife Preservation Trust International (WPTI) recently "tagged" a male and a female manatee in Belize. The data collected by the WPTI project will be used make conservation guidelines for manatees to protect their future in Belize.
©2000
The Wild Ones
c/o Wildlife Trust
61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964-8000
Tel: 845.365.8337 Fax: 845.365.8177
