Scientists believe the manatee envolved from a wading, plant-eating animal sixty million years ago. Its closest relatives are the elephant and hyrax. Manatees inhabit shallow, slow-moving rivers, salt water bays, canals, and costal areas. Because the species cannot survive in conditions less than 48 degrees, they migrate to Florida in the winter, but can be found as far west as Alabama and as far north as Virginia in the summer. Manatees have also been sighted in the inland waters of Central America and off the northern coast of South America.

Manatees are large, gray-brown aquatic mammals. The green stuff you see on their backs is algae and barnicles. Average lengths are between ten and twelve feet and the average weight can range anywhere from 1,000 to 1,800 pounds. The largest manatee ever recorded had a length of 13 feet and weight of 3,500 pounds! Manatees have no hind limbs and the forelimbs are used as flippers. Unlike most mammals, the manatee has six neck vertebrae instead of seven. One of the most interesting adaptations of a manatee is its teeth. Throughout their lives, "marching molars" are constantly replaced. A recent aerial survey of Floria showed the manatee population to be 2,229. Little is known about the population of manatees elsewhere. It is estimated that manatees are caple of living 60 years, posssibly more.

Manatees are herbivores. This means they consume mostly plants. Food sources of the salt water manatee include these grasses: manatee, turtle, shoal, and widegon. The fresh water species prefer hydrilla, eelgrass, water hyacinth and lettuce. On ocassion manatees have been known to feed on sea squirts and mollusks. Imagine eating 10 -15% of your body weight in one day - - a manatee does!

Female manatees become sexually mature at five years and males at nine years of age. The reproductive rate is extremely slow. To the average female, one calf is born every two to five years; twins are rare. The gestation period is approximately 13 months.

All West Indian manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These laws make it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill manatees and other marine animals. The state of Florida has its own similar law. Violation of the laws can result in a fine and time in prison.

In 1996 a tragic event took place - - 151 manatees were killed by red tide. Red tide is a natural event and is unpreventable. Unfortunetly many more manatee deaths are human related. Here are some little things you can do that will make an enormous difference to the manatee and later generations. After you read the precautions share them with your parents and your friends.

1. If you own a notorboat, slow you boat when you see signs indicating the presence of a manatee.

2. If you dive, look but do not touch manatees. Only photograph them if they approach you.

3. If you fish, do not discard line into the water.

4. Do not give food or beverages to a manatee.

5. If you see an injured manatee or people harassing a manatees call the hotline at 1-800-DIAL-FMP.

There are even more things you can do! If you know a young child who might enjoy manatees read SAM THE SEA COW or J. ROOKER MANATEE. You can join the Save the Manatee Club. E-mail them at animal@america.com to ask for further details.. The manatee can be saved. Education is the first step.

Resources

U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service's ENDANGERED & THREATENED SPECIES ACT OF THE SOUTHEAST UNITED STATES, 1991

WEST INDIAN MANATEE FACTS from: manatee@america.com

MANATEE FAQ fom: manatee@america.com

Written by: Meghan