manatus

Manatus is a historical genus name that was used for certain aquatic mammals in the family Trichechidae, commonly known as manatees or sea cows. In contemporary taxonomy, the living manatees are classified in the genus Trichechus, and the name Manatus is no longer used for living species.

Historically, Manatus included species that are now placed in Trichechus. Under older classifications, Manatus manatus referred to the West Indian manatee and Manatus senegalensis referred to the African manatee. Modern taxonomic practice recognizes three extant species in the genus Trichechus: Trichechus manatus (West Indian manatee, with the Florida population treated as Trichechus manatus latirostris), Trichechus inunguis (Amazonian manatee), and Trichechus senegalensis (African manatee). As a result, the genus Manatus is largely of historical interest, and current scientific references use Trichechus for living taxa.

Characteristics of manatees in general include large, rotund bodies, paddle-like forelimbs, and a broad, flattened tail. They are aquatic herbivores that feed on submerged vegetation and prefer shallow, slow-moving waters in tropical and subtropical regions. Their distribution historically covered parts of the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts of Africa, with several populations restricted by habitat quality, water temperature, and human activities.

Conservation status has varied by region and species, but threats such as habitat loss, boat collisions, entanglement in fisheries, and climate-related changes to water systems have led to ongoing protections and research efforts across their range.

In summary, Manatus is an obsolete genus name formerly applied to living manatees, now reclassified under Trichechus, with the genus retaining historical significance in paleontological and taxonomic contexts.