Photographer: Bernard DUPONT
CC License: https://bit.ly/3lIqM1d
West Indian Manatee Facts
- Firstly, the remarkable, as well as quite adorable, West Indian Manatee ranks as the largest surviving member of its order.
- Also, and quite sadly, the IUCN currently lists this precious creature as Vulnerable. However, this is an improvement from Endangered.
- Furthermore, this fascinating creature, which has long held the attention of many, actually comprises two separate subspecies.
- Also, this aquatic mammal thankfully remains the focus of ongoing conservation efforts, which led to its slightly improved status.
- In addition, its highly distinctive appearance has earned the astounding animal the nickname of the sea cow.
- Finally, the primary threats to its existence, not surprisingly, continue to be climate change and human activities.
Related Articles
West Indian Manatee Physical Description
Most notably, just as other sirenians, the impressive West Indian Manatee appears to have completely adapted to aquatic life.
Also, mature adults average about 11.5 ft (3.5 m) in length, with sexual dimorphism being present in the species.
Due to this, females generally grow slightly larger than males. In addition, adults may weigh as much as 1,320 lb (440 kg).
However, in some reported instances exceptional individuals have weighed as much as 3,649 lb (1,655 kg).
Finally, in color, it generally displays a random combination of brown and gray. Also, its large flippers may display either three or four nails.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Sirenia
- Family: Trichechidae
- Genus: Trichechus
- Species: T. manatus
Public Domain Image
West Indian Manatee Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Firstly, as the species name implies, the West Indian Manatee is primarily, though not wholly, endemic to the West Indies. In addition, its full range extends from the east coast of the United States to the northeastern tip of South America.
Also, the species lives almost exclusively in shallow coastal areas but remains highly adaptable, and sometimes even enters shallow rivers and estuaries as well.
Individuals generally live as solitary creatures, grouping together only for mating. It has a primarily herbivorous diet, but will occasionally feed on fish and small invertebrates.
Finally, its only known natural predators include orcas, large sharks, and alligators.
Species Sharing Its Range
Blue Shark Sea Spider American Lobster
Check out our other articles on Dusky Dolphin, False Killer Whale, Earth’s Many Stunning Waterfalls, Wallace’s Giant Bee, Tiger Rattlesnake
Leave a Reply