Manatee: Difference between revisions
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'''Manatees''' are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. They belong to the [[family]] [[Trichechidae]] and the [[genus]] [[Trichechus]]. | |||
Manatees are large, | == In a nutshell == | ||
# '''Habitat''': Manatees inhabit shallow, calm waters such as rivers, estuaries, bays, canals, and coastal areas.<ref>[https://dolphins.org/kids_manatee_facts Kids Manatee Facts] Dolphin Research Center</ref> They are primarily found in regions with warm water temperatures, including Florida, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of West Africa.<ref name=":0">[https://myfwc.com/education/wildlife/manatee/facts-and-information/ Florida Manatee Facts and Information] Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission </ref> | |||
# '''Physical Characteristics''': Adult manatees typically measure 9-10 feet in length from snout to tail and can weigh around 1,000 pounds.<ref name=":0" /> They have large, paddle-like flippers and a rounded body, which tapers into a flat, horizontal tail.<ref name=":1">[https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/manatees Manatees] National Geographic</ref> | |||
# '''Diet''': Manatees are herbivores with voracious appetites, spending up to 8 hours a day grazing on aquatic vegetation.<ref name=":2">[https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-manatees-180950308/ 14 Fun Facts About Manatees] Smithsonian Magazine</ref> They consume over 60 different freshwater and saltwater plants, including seagrasses and algae.<ref name=":2" /> | |||
# '''Adaptations''': Manatees have several adaptations that help them thrive in their aquatic environment. They can travel from freshwater to saltwater habitats without any problems[5]. Additionally, their large, flexible lips and prehensile upper lip are used for grasping and manipulating food.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
# '''Conservation Status''': Manatees face various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and collisions with boats.<ref name=":0" /> As a result, they are classified as vulnerable or endangered species, depending on the region.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
# '''Behaviour''': Manatees are generally solitary animals, although they may form temporary aggregations in areas with abundant food or warm water.<ref name=":1" /> They spend approximately 50% of the day sleeping submerged, surfacing for air regularly at intervals of less than 20 minutes.<ref name=":1" /> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
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* | * | ||
== References == | |||
<references /> | |||
[[Category:Trichechidae (family)]] | [[Category:Trichechidae (family)]] | ||
[[Category:Trichechus (genus)]] | [[Category:Trichechus (genus)]] | ||
Revision as of 10:11, 25 March 2024
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Manatees are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals sometimes known as sea cows. They belong to the family Trichechidae and the genus Trichechus.
In a nutshell
- Habitat: Manatees inhabit shallow, calm waters such as rivers, estuaries, bays, canals, and coastal areas.[1] They are primarily found in regions with warm water temperatures, including Florida, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of West Africa.[2]
- Physical Characteristics: Adult manatees typically measure 9-10 feet in length from snout to tail and can weigh around 1,000 pounds.[2] They have large, paddle-like flippers and a rounded body, which tapers into a flat, horizontal tail.[3]
- Diet: Manatees are herbivores with voracious appetites, spending up to 8 hours a day grazing on aquatic vegetation.[4] They consume over 60 different freshwater and saltwater plants, including seagrasses and algae.[4]
- Adaptations: Manatees have several adaptations that help them thrive in their aquatic environment. They can travel from freshwater to saltwater habitats without any problems[5]. Additionally, their large, flexible lips and prehensile upper lip are used for grasping and manipulating food.[3]
- Conservation Status: Manatees face various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and collisions with boats.[2] As a result, they are classified as vulnerable or endangered species, depending on the region.[2]
- Behaviour: Manatees are generally solitary animals, although they may form temporary aggregations in areas with abundant food or warm water.[3] They spend approximately 50% of the day sleeping submerged, surfacing for air regularly at intervals of less than 20 minutes.[3]
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Kids Manatee Facts Dolphin Research Center
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Florida Manatee Facts and Information Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Manatees National Geographic
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 14 Fun Facts About Manatees Smithsonian Magazine