The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is a manatee, and the largest member of the aquatic mammal order Sirenia (which also includes the Dugong and Steller's Sea Cow). Based on genetic and morphological studies, West Indian Manatees are divided into two sub-species, the Florida Manatee and the Antillean Manatee (or Caribbean Manatee).

Physical Description

Like other manatees, the West Indian Manatee has adapted fully to an aquatic life style, having no hind limbs. Pelage cover is sparsely distributed across the body, which many play a role in reducing the build-up of algae on the skin. The average West Indian <anatee is approximately 3 meters long, and weights between 200 and 600 kg, with females generally larger than males. The largest individuals can weight up to 1,500 kg.

Habitat and Geographic range

As its name implies, the West Indian Manatee lives in the West Indies, generally in shallow coastal areas. However, it is known to withstand large changes in water salinity, and so have also been found in shallow rivers and estuaries. It is limited to the tropics and sub-tropics due to an extremely low metabolic rate and lack of a thick layer of insulating body fat. During summer, these large mammals have even been found as far north as Rhode Island.

Behavior and Food

West Indian Manatees are surprisingly agile in water, and have been seen doing rolls, somersaults, and even swimming upside-down. Manatees are not territorial and do not have complex predator avoidance behavior, as they has evolved in areas without natural predators.

West Indian Mantees are opportunistic feeders, with large adults feasting on nearly 100 kg of sea grasses and plant leaves daily. Because manatees feed on abrasive plants, their molars are continually replaced throughout life. They are also known to eat invertebrates and fish.

Reproduction

Although female West Indian Manatees are mostly solitary creatures, they form mating heards while in estrus. Most females breed sucessfully between ages of seven and nine, however, females are capable of reproduction as early as four years of age. Gestation period lasts from twelve to fourteen months. Normally, one calf is born, although on rare occasions two have been recorded. The young are born with molars and premolars, allowing them to consume sea grass within the first three weeks of birth.

Manatee Relationship with Humans

The West Indian Manatee has been hunted for hundreds of years for meat and hide, and continues to be hunted to this day in Central and South America. Illegal poaching, as well as collisions with speeding motorboats, are a constant source of manatee fatalities.

Due to their low reproductive rates, a decline in manatee population may be hard to overcome. They enjoy protection from the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the U.S. Marine Mammal Act of 1972.

Trivia

The Florida Manatee is that state's official marine mammal and is a focus of tourist interest.

Relevant Links:

1. Animal Diversity Website: Trichechus manatus
2. West Indian manatee from sirenian.org