manatee

Manatee, commonly called a sea cow, refers to several large, herbivorous aquatic mammals in the order Sirenia. The living members belong to the family Trichechidae and comprise three species: the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis), and the African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis). They inhabit shallow, coastal, and riverine habitats in tropical regions of the Americas, West Africa, and the Amazon Basin.

Physically, adult manatees typically reach 3 to 4 meters in length and may weigh up to about 1,500 pounds. They have a paddle-shaped tail, two front flippers, no dorsal fin, and small eyes. Their skin is gray to brown and can bear scars from past injuries. Manatees are slow swimmers and spend much of their time grazing.

Diet and behavior: Manatees are obligate herbivores, feeding mainly on seagrasses and aquatic vegetation. They can consume a substantial portion of their body weight each day and often feed in shallow areas during daylight. They can stay submerged for extended periods and breathe at the surface every few minutes, though longer dives occur.

Reproduction and life history: Mating occurs year-round in some populations. Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation of about 12 months. Calves nurse for a year or more, and females have long intervals between births.

Conservation: Manatees face threats from boat collisions, habitat loss, entanglement in fishing gear, pollution, and cold stress during chilly periods. They are protected by national laws and international agreements in many regions, with conservation efforts focused on habitat protection, boat-speed regulations, and rehabilitation programs.