Manatee
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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