Florida Manatee Research Paper
Ecology of the Florida Manatee
(Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Abstract
This paper examines the thermal refuges, effects of coastal storms and winter aggregation behavior on the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). The Florida manatee is a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) typically found in the subtropical waters of the southeastern United States, feeding on sea grass and freshwater vegetation
. Unlike many marine animals that inhibit large open water areas, manatees often occupy narrow shaped bodies of water such as canals, rivers and creeks (Edwards et al. 2007). They are considered one of the most endangered marine mammals in US waters due to their small population and threats to their habitats (Garrott et al. 1994). Boating collisions, storms, and exposure to cold waters can increase their mortality rates. Manatees often acquire distinctive marks in the wild from natural and human-related causes. Boat inflicted injuries, fishing line entanglements, and lesions from infection and cold damage can leave permanent scars after they heal (Langtimm and Beck 2003). These mammals can also starve and die of cachexia, the wasting away of body fat from lack of food in the stomach …show more content…
(1985) examined mortality patterns of manatees in Florida. To better understand these mortality patterns in Florida, four areas along the coastline were analyzed. A carcass salvage program was initiated in 1974 to document causes of death in manatees in Florida (O’Shea et al. 1985). Carcasses were recorded from these different areas and the cause of death was determined. Two categories of mortality showing greatest increases were boat collisions and death of dependent calves (Garrett et al. 1994). Winter plays a major role in the survival of manatees that live in Florida. The years 1977 and 1981 showed the highest rate of manatee mortality that have occurred in the winter months in Florida (O’Shea et al.
(Trichechus manatus latirostris)
Abstract
This paper examines the thermal refuges, effects of coastal storms and winter aggregation behavior on the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). The Florida manatee is a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) typically found in the subtropical waters of the southeastern United States, feeding on sea grass and freshwater vegetation
. Unlike many marine animals that inhibit large open water areas, manatees often occupy narrow shaped bodies of water such as canals, rivers and creeks (Edwards et al. 2007). They are considered one of the most endangered marine mammals in US waters due to their small population and threats to their habitats (Garrott et al. 1994). Boating collisions, storms, and exposure to cold waters can increase their mortality rates. Manatees often acquire distinctive marks in the wild from natural and human-related causes. Boat inflicted injuries, fishing line entanglements, and lesions from infection and cold damage can leave permanent scars after they heal (Langtimm and Beck 2003). These mammals can also starve and die of cachexia, the wasting away of body fat from lack of food in the stomach …show more content…
(1985) examined mortality patterns of manatees in Florida. To better understand these mortality patterns in Florida, four areas along the coastline were analyzed. A carcass salvage program was initiated in 1974 to document causes of death in manatees in Florida (O’Shea et al. 1985). Carcasses were recorded from these different areas and the cause of death was determined. Two categories of mortality showing greatest increases were boat collisions and death of dependent calves (Garrett et al. 1994). Winter plays a major role in the survival of manatees that live in Florida. The years 1977 and 1981 showed the highest rate of manatee mortality that have occurred in the winter months in Florida (O’Shea et al.