West Indian Manatee (Trichechus Manatus) Jill Hodson

Habitat and Diet Coastal waterways, estuaries, and salt water bays During winter, Manatees are found mainly in Florida waters. In summer they can be found near Texas and as far north as Massachusetts. The manatees are herbivores and can eat 60 to 100 pounds of vegetation a day.

Lifespan On average, Manatees can live about 60 years. Mortality is based on Natural causes  Pneumonia, old age, and cold stress Human actions  Hunting and recreation

Human Impact Because of human's love for recreation, manatees are suffering. The death rate involves numbers from watercraft collisions and fishing accessories such as nets and swallowing hooks. Three laws are in affect for the protection of these mammals. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 Endangered Species Act of 1973 Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978

Laws for Protection Three laws are in affect for the protection of these mammals. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 An endangered species must not fall below their sustainable population level. Endangered Species Act of 1973 Protects species from unauthorized conduct to harm the species population. Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978 This act regulated certain speeds for boats and personal water-crafts in manatee sanctuaries.

Endangerment As of January 2011, there are 4,480 manatees still living. Of that population about 2,000 can be found in the waters of Florida. They are endangered because the mortality rate is higher than the birth rate. Females give birth every 2 to 5 years, but 150 manatees are dying every year.

Facts A manatee is often called a sea cow because of it's size and behavior. Its closest relatives are elephants and hyraxes.

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