Manatees (family Trichechidae,
genus Trichechus) are large aquatic mammals sometimes known as
sea cows. The Trichechidae differ from the Dugongidae in the shape
of the skull and the shape of the tail. Manatees' tails are paddle-shaped,
while the Dugong's is forked. It is an herbivore, spending most
of its time grazing in shallow waters. Manatees inhabit shallow,
marshy coastal areas of North, Central, and South America, and
the Caribbean Sea. One species (the West African Manatee Trichechus
senegalensis) inhabits the west coast of Africa, another (the
Amazonian Manatee T. inunguis) inhabits the east coast of South
America, and a third (the West Indian Manatee T. manatus) the
West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. The Florida Manatee is by some
considered a distinct species, but ITIS treats it as a subspecies
of T. manatus, and this is now usual. It can reach 4.5 meters
(15 feet) or more in length, and lives both in fresh and salt
water. It was once hunted for its oil and flesh but is now legally
protected.
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The West Indian Manatee is an endangered species. Although it
does not have any natural predators, human expansion has reduced
its natural habitat in the coastal marsh areas and many manatees
are injured by the propellers of outboard motor boats. Manatees
will often ingest fishing gear (hooks, metal weights, etc.) during
feeding. These foreign materials do not seem to harm manatees,
except for monofilament line or string. This can get clogged in
the animal's digestive system and slowly kill the animal. Manatees
often congregate near power plants, which warm the waters. Some
have become reliant on this source of unnatural heat and have
ceased migrating to warmer waters.
Above Images Are From US Fish & Wildlife Service
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