Living in harmony with the natural environment is a challenge in Florida, which has undergone more growth in human population and infrastructure than the majority of other regions throughout the United States. For several decades this growth has impacted indigenous plant and animal life through...
Here are some Manatee Facts for Kids: Manatees are marine mammals. Manatees are also known as sea cows. Manatees are gentle, non-aggressive animals. There are three species of manatees: West Indian Manatees (Trichechus Manatus), West African Manatees (Trichechus Senegalensis), Amazonian or South American Manatees (Trichechus Inunguis). ...
Female manatees know what it is like to be sought after — perhaps they feel a little too sought after. If you ever see what appears to be a large herd of manatees huddled together in the water, experts said they are likely mating. For...
Manatee season started November 15 and runs through to March 31. As air and water temperatures drop, manatees begin moving south for warmer water refuge, and slower seasonal speed limits go into effect. Boaters are cautioned to be on the lookout for greater numbers of manatees moving...
Here is some interesting information regarding these gentle and fascinating creatures of the sea: Manatees are typically found in shallow coastal areas and rivers where they feed on sea grass, mangrove leaves, and algae. These herbivores munch on food for almost half the day, eating...
As the human population in Florida increases and waterfront development continues, manatees are losing the habitats they rely on in order to survive. Development can damage seagrasses, which are the main source of food for manatees. Development can also degrade water quality and reduce the...
All boaters in Florida use Florida’s marine ecosystem. As boaters, everyone should pay attention to the effects on the environment, since the waters we enjoy may be impacted by our actions. Every boater should learn and use safe boating practices that will protect Florida’s manatees,...
While the basics regarding manatee reproduction are known, researchers admit that there is still a great deal to learn about. Females are ready to mate at approximately 5 years of age. It takes almost twice that long for males who mature at approximately 9 years...
If you have traveled along the coast of Florida, you may have seen a manatee grazing and wondered about what they are eating and how they find their food and chew it. Manatees are herbivores and feed almost exclusively on plants that grow in fresh...
Earlier this year, manatees were officially removed from the endangered list. An increase in the overall manatee populations and much needed improvements to their habitats steered the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to downgrade protections for the species from “endangered” to “threatened.” Although this...