One day after Manatee Appreciation Day, US officials announced on 30 March that manatees are no longer an endangered species, and have been now re-classified as ‘Threatened’.
The decision applies to West Indian manatees found in the southeastern United States. It also applies to the Antillean manatee, found in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, northern South America and the Greater and Lesser Antilles.
West Indian manatees were at a precarious situation a mere 50 years ago, with just a few hundred left in the wild in the 1970s. At present, the population has rebounded to more than 6,000. This dramatic recovery has been attributed to the success of decades of efforts in Florida and Caribbean region. Re-introduction of orphaned and injured manatees into the wild, together with policy adjustments to safeguard manatees’ natural habitat, gives a huge boost to the species’ chances of survival.
The decision applies to West Indian manatees found in the southeastern United States. It also applies to the Antillean manatee, found in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, northern South America and the Greater and Lesser Antilles.
West Indian manatees were at a precarious situation a mere 50 years ago, with just a few hundred left in the wild in the 1970s. At present, the population has rebounded to more than 6,000. This dramatic recovery has been attributed to the success of decades of efforts in Florida and Caribbean region. Re-introduction of orphaned and injured manatees into the wild, together with policy adjustments to safeguard manatees’ natural habitat, gives a huge boost to the species’ chances of survival.
Manatees, or sea cows, are generally herbivorous marine mammals. Their large size and gentle manner earned them the nickname ‘sea cow’. They weigh between 400 to 500kg, and are about 3 metres long. A large, flexible prehensile upper lip helps the animal to gather food, as it grazes on aquatic plants. In order to eat about 50kg of food per day, manatees graze for up to a whopping 7 hours per day. They occasionally eat fish.
The official state marine mammal of Florida is none other than the majestic manatee.
Because of their size, manatees have few, if any, predators. The main threat to manatees is human activity, including habitat destruction. Their curious nature may lead to collisions with boat propellers, especially in developed coastal areas. This results in mutilation, and even death. Many manatees carry gruesome spiral cutting propeller scars on their backs.
Adapted from:
The Straits Times: Manatees Are No Longer Endangered: US
Independent: Manatees are no longer classified as 'endangered' species
The Straits Times: Manatees Are No Longer Endangered: US
Independent: Manatees are no longer classified as 'endangered' species