sirenien

The Sirenia is an order of aquatic mammals, commonly known as sirenians. This order includes the manatees and the dugongs. Sirenians are herbivorous marine mammals that inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and sometimes rivers. They are characterized by their large, torpedo-shaped bodies, paddle-like forelimbs, and a fluked tail. Their hind limbs are absent.

Sirenians are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Manatees are primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean and its tributaries, while dugongs are found in the Indo-Pacific region. These animals are slow-moving and gentle, spending most of their lives grazing on seagrasses, algae, and other aquatic vegetation. Their digestive systems are adapted to process large amounts of fibrous plant material.

The order Sirenia is divided into two extant families: Trichechidae (manatees) and Dugongidae (dugongs). There was formerly a third family, the Steller's sea cow, but it is now extinct. Sirenians have a long gestation period and typically give birth to a single calf. The mother cares for her young for an extended period, nursing it with milk.

These mammals are vulnerable to a number of threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear. Several species are listed as endangered or vulnerable by conservation organizations. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats and reduce these threats.