Treehugger has a wonderful diary of Rebecca Jackrel photos of Manatees.
Manatees are irresistible. There's something about their rotund shape and bovine nature that make them just too adorable not to love. However, we humans aren't expressing this affinity so well. Listed as endangered, manatees are subject to some serious threats, including boat strikes and climate change
by BrianW
My love for Manatees began when I was a school child and went on a field trip to the South Florida Museum and Parker Manatee Aquarium. It's hard not to fall for Manatees, they are so gentle and trusting and if you ever have a face to face encounter with one of the gentle giants you will be hooked for life.
I met Snooty at the Parker Aquarium as that has been his home for 63 years. Snooty was born at the Miami Aquarium on July 21, 1948 Snooty was one of the first recorded captive manatee births. Snooty is the oldest manatee in captivity, and likely the oldest manatee in the world. Because Snooty is not going to be released into the wild, he is the only manatee at the aquarium that is allowed to interact with human handlers.
I remember feeling sad that Snooty was held in an aquarium rather than be allowed to roam free. But it's likely that his captivity is responsible for his longevity. He does seem to enjoy the attention of people and his intelligence is evident as he recognizes and responds to trainers.
You can meet Snooty at the Parker Aquarium Snooty Cam
by BrianW
The West Indian manatee living in Florida are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978. Manatees grow to as large as 1,200 lbs and can live as long as 60 years. As they are long-lived animals, they have a low reproduction rate, coming to maturity around five years of age and producing one calf every two to five years. This means every manatee living today is very important to keeping the population going. But that is tough to do when you're facing as many problems as this sweet sea cow.
Because the Manatees like to stay in shallow waters one of their greatest dangers is boats. Boat cuts and injuries are so prevalent that Manatees can be recognized by the cut and scar patterns on their bodies.
Dealing with humans is not the only threat manatees face. In fact, it isn't even the most dangerous. Yes, run-ins with humans causes scars, internal damage, and death. But a fiercer battle that humans brought to the manatees' doorstep is climate change.
Manatees are sensitive to changes in water temperature, and as the planet's systems shift, colder and warmer water will alter the ecosystems in which the manatees live, and likely to a degree beyond their ability to adapt and survive.
Manatees are herbivores, and like their "sea cow" nickname implies, they dine on sea grass.
Save The Manatees states, "As sea level rises and is accompanied by increased turbidity and other impacts to water quality, seagrasses will likely be negatively impacted. Over time, seagrass beds may become reestablished, but major shifts in seagrass distribution and abundance could threaten Florida’s manatees, along with the many species of fish and invertebrates that also inhabit seagrass beds."
Whenever I get the chance I head to Crystal River for a visit and swim with the Manatees. Swimming underwater with them is quite joyous as they notice and sometimes mimic your moves and you want to reach out and give them a hug.
I recognize that the time spent with them is precious because sadly I think the Manatees are running out of time. They have no known predators but now find themselves at the mercy of humans. They will be one of the species we will lose due to the callous use of our planets resources.