The Historical Predation of the West Indian Manatee
The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), also known as the sea cow; was listed as an endangered species by U.S Fish and Wildlife Services in 1972. However, since then it has been downgraded from an endangered species to a threatened species (Heavy Poaching in Prime Habitat: The Conservation Status of the West Indian Manatee). The main reasons behind their decline; are pollution in the water, powerboats, and slow reproduction. As a result, humans have been putting a considerable amount of effort into saving these beloved sea cows known as the West Indian Manatee. The recent move from “endangered” to “threatened” was brought about through conservation efforts and a reduction in the threats …show more content…
Manatees have a low reproductive rate, only giving birth to an average of one calf every three to five years. Female manatees reach breeding age at nine years old. During breeding season, as soon as a female is ready to mate males gather and pursue her to form a mating group and breed at different times. The males will push and shove in order to get closer to the female where she may mate with more than one male. Thirteen months later the calf is born under water. Right after birth, the mother brings the calf to the surface on her back. The mother nurses the calf under water, and it may continue to nurse for up to two years ("West Indian Manatee." Nature Works. Manatee Facts and Information). Manatees are known to be calm and loving creatures. For example, if a nursing female comes across an abandoned calf she will adopt that calf as her own. This type of social behavior proves that manatees are very peaceful, and extremely friendly. They are also very agile mammals, moving at an average pace of five miles an hour. If provoked, they have the ability to surge to speeds exceeding fifteen miles per hour. They have also been known to perform various playful tricks such as headstands, somersaults, barrel rolls, and floating upside down (Woods and
The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), also known as the sea cow; was listed as an endangered species by U.S Fish and Wildlife Services in 1972. However, since then it has been downgraded from an endangered species to a threatened species (Heavy Poaching in Prime Habitat: The Conservation Status of the West Indian Manatee). The main reasons behind their decline; are pollution in the water, powerboats, and slow reproduction. As a result, humans have been putting a considerable amount of effort into saving these beloved sea cows known as the West Indian Manatee. The recent move from “endangered” to “threatened” was brought about through conservation efforts and a reduction in the threats …show more content…
Manatees have a low reproductive rate, only giving birth to an average of one calf every three to five years. Female manatees reach breeding age at nine years old. During breeding season, as soon as a female is ready to mate males gather and pursue her to form a mating group and breed at different times. The males will push and shove in order to get closer to the female where she may mate with more than one male. Thirteen months later the calf is born under water. Right after birth, the mother brings the calf to the surface on her back. The mother nurses the calf under water, and it may continue to nurse for up to two years ("West Indian Manatee." Nature Works. Manatee Facts and Information). Manatees are known to be calm and loving creatures. For example, if a nursing female comes across an abandoned calf she will adopt that calf as her own. This type of social behavior proves that manatees are very peaceful, and extremely friendly. They are also very agile mammals, moving at an average pace of five miles an hour. If provoked, they have the ability to surge to speeds exceeding fifteen miles per hour. They have also been known to perform various playful tricks such as headstands, somersaults, barrel rolls, and floating upside down (Woods and