|
Manatees are also called sea cows because they graze on marine grasses and other water plants. They will graze in saltwater and freshwater for about 6 to 8 hours a day. The manatee is a migratory species and is concentrated in Florida in the winter, but found in the summer months as far west as Alabama and as far north as Virginia and the Carolinas. The average Manatee weighs about 1,500 to 1,800 lbs. and measures 12 ft. in length. Manatees will live 50-60 years in the wild and rarely venture in waters that are below 68 degrees F. Although Manatees have few natural enemies, their known population in Florida has been reduced to about 3,300 manatees due to heavy hunting for their hide, meat, and blubber oil. They are frequently injured in collisions with boats. Deaths also occur from red tide, cold stress, and diseases.
|
|
Endangered |
|
Red Tide Sudden massive growths of algae are known to cause fish die-offs. This rise in marine deaths has alerted scientists to close off beaches and shellfish beds to prevent the spread of toxins from the red tide blooms, now known to also harm humans. Coastal water pollution produced by humans, such as agricultural run-offs, and increase in seawater temperatures have been implicated as contributing factors in Red Tides. Shellfish poisoning from Red Tide toxins demonstrates symptoms in humans as difficulty in breathing. Since there is no antidote, treatment is to give the patient oxygen and keep them alive until the toxin passes from their system.
|
|
Trichechus manatus |
|
Propeller guards help protect the aquatic wildlife. |
|
Sign up for our free Paddle Tales E-Newsletter: Go to www.savethemanatee.org/enews_signup.htm
|
|
Home | Clothing | Toby's Treats | Grooming | Your Active Pet | Puppies | Dog House | Cat Post | Barnyard | Bird Cage | Fish Bowl | Turtle Pond | Hamster Wheel | Travel | Working Animals | Endangered | The Wild | Go Green | Calendar | Charities | Pets Talk | Contact Us | Privacy Policy |