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WEST INDIAN MANATEE
Trichechus manatus
DESCRIPTION: Manatees and their relatives are the only vegetarian
marine mammals. They are sometimes known as sea cows, and,
like cows that live on land, they eat grass -- but sea grass.
They weigh up to 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg) and reach 13 feet
(4 m) in length. They have a mermaid-like tail. In fact, manatees
probably inspired the legends about sirens, or mermaids, who
beckoned sailors at sea, as their scientific classification
suggests: they are in the Order Sirenia.
RANGE/HABITAT: Today manatees are rare or extinct in most
of their range. They are found in slow moving rivers, estuaries,
saltwater bays, canals, and coastal areas where sea grass
flourishes. The largest population is in Florida where they
concentrate in the winter. In summer, Florida manatees are
found as far west as Louisiana and as far north as the Carolinas
and Virginia. They are also found in the coastal waterways
of Central and South America. Manatees have a low metabolic
rate and need to be in water 68°F and above. They are
subject to hypothermia in waters below 60°F.
BEHAVIOR: Manatees are harmless and are the slowest marine
mammal. They have no defense system except for fleeing, and
do not fight for food or territory. They have few natural
enemies, except man. Manatees eat 100 to 150 pounds (45-68
kg) of plants per day. Their big appetites and grazing helps
to keep waterways free and flowing. When they are not eating,
they are usually sleeping. However, they are known to body
surf. Because of their need for warm water, manatees often
congregate in the warm water effluents from power plants.
Manatees communicate with squeaks and squeals. They are very
tactile, "kiss" each other in greeting, and nuzzle
snout to snout. They embrace with their flippers.
MATING AND BREEDING: Manatee birth rate is quite slow,
since females give birth to a single calf only every two to
three years, and calves remain dependent for two years.
STATUS: Manatees are an endangered species. The 2001
manatee population count was 3,276, the highest since the
counts began in 1991. However, scientists are concerned that
too many manatees are dying each year to keep the population
growing or at least stable. Since 1985, manatees' deaths have
averaged over 100 per year, with about 30% of those deaths
attributed to human causes such as boat strikes. Manatees
are subject to this problem as they are slow moving and often
sleep near the water's surface. Many manatees that survive
boat encounters bear scars as evidence of the incident.
A Pacific relative of the manatee, the Steller Sea Cow, became
extinct in the 1700s within 27 years of its discovery by explorers.
Let us not let this happen to the manatee! The manatee could
be helped by setting up more extensive reserves, and by enacting
and enforcing stricter boating regulations. Write the Governor
of Florida or your congressperson about your manatee concerns.
Spread the word to friends. Let us help the manatee before
it is too late.
May be reprinted for scientific and educational purposes
Revised 1/02
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Manatees