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West Indina Manatee
(Trichechus manatus manatus)
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| Manatees are marine mammals that live in coastal waters and near rivers. They are characterized by having a flat tail and two frontal extremities with three to four nails. Their bodies are big, rounded and of a grayish color. The average adult manatee weights 1,110 pounds (30 kg) and measures 10 feet (3 meters) long. They are almost always found in groups. They are fully herbivorous and feed almost exclusively on sea grass (Thalassea testudinum). Although they may be submerged for about 20 minutes, they need air to survive. This is why the spend time in the surface and are vulnerable to human harm. | |
| Manatees of this subspecies are found not only in Puerto Rico, but also in the other Major Antilles, some Caribbean Nations and in the Gulf of Mexico. It is considered an endangered especies because the current estimate of manatees in these areas ranges from 60 to 250 individuals. This small population is caused by a very slow reproductive rate and by unfavorable conditions created by human beings. | |
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Signs like the one to the left designate areas where Manatees can be found. If you are on a boat and come by one of these signs, please reduce your speed until your boat produces no wake. Manatees spend most of their time floating on the surface and are very susceptible to impacts by boats. Not only can propellers cut them, but also a direct impact with your boat can kill them instantly. Also, do not throw trash into the water or leave it in the beach. Another major cause of death in Manatees is ingestion of plastic trash. |
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Some areas in Puerto Rico designated as Manatee
areas are:
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Save the Manatee Club |
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