#MANATEE PREDATORS FREE#

#MANATEE PREDATORS FREE#

In the state of Florida a free Manatee Alert mobile app is available.Ī healthy ocean depends on manatees. Humans used to hunt manatees for their meat. In some areas, local governments have adopted slow-speed zones in known manatee habitat areas. Manatees have delicious red meat and they also produce a sweet oil. What can be done to help protect endangered species like the manatees? The first step is always an informed public.Įducational campaigns teach boaters to look for patterns caused by a manatee’s tail on the surface of the water so they'll know if a manatee is nearby and to proceed cautiously through shallow waterways. This often leaves them with little room to dive away from oncoming boats, which can lead to deadly collisions. Some of this algae is toxic and can kill manatees if they eat it.īecause manatees feed on sea grass, and sea grass needs sunlight and shallow water to grow, manatees spend most of their time in shallow water. Sewage, manure, and fertilizer run-off enters the water and causes algal blooms. So what has caused manatees to become endangered? There are two major threats: loss of habitat and collisions with boats and ships.Īs new developments are built along waterways, natural nesting areas are destroyed. All three are listed as vulnerable to extinction. How do manatees protect itself from predators They dont have any natral prediters. There are three manatee species worldwide West Indian, West African, and Amazonian. There are three manatee species worldwide – West Indian, West African, and Amazonian. Manatees have a few predators which include: Sharks, Orca Whales, Crocodiles, and most dominately humans. While manatees don't have any true natural predators, they have still become endangered.

While manatees don't have any true natural predators, they have still become endangered. By doing so, they keep the grass short, which helps maintain the health of the sea grass beds. They also play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Manatees eat aquatic plants such as cordgrass, turtle grass, and eelgrass, and even non-native water. Did you know that manatees are related to elephants? Manatees are large aquatic mammals, and sometimes they're referred to as “sea cows.” They're very large averaging 10 feet long and 1,200 pounds! But don't let their size fool you: manatees are actually incredibly graceful creatures. The West Indian manatee has no natural predators.

Manatee predators