Trichechus manatus manatus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Antillean manatee
French : Lamantin des Caraïbes

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Sirenia
Family : Trichechidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length up to 3.90 m for a weight up to 1620 kg. Body barrel-shaped and cylindrical. Small head with very small eyes and broad cylindrical snout. Skin often wrinkled, grey to brown. Tail flipper is rounded.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs near the Caribbean Islands, Gulf of Mexico, Central America, south to North Brazil. Species also found around Florida and Georgia. Lives in shallow estuarine, marine and freshwater habitats with aquatic vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is legally protected and some increases have occurred in the Florida population. Antillean population still illegally hunted.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

Back to “Other Hoofed Mammals & Sirenians” page