The Amazonian Manatee, known as Trichechus inunguis, is the smallest manatee and the only manatee that lives solely in freshwater tributaries. The Amazonian Manatee also has smoother, rubber-like skin when compared to the other, hairier manatees. The Amazonian Manatee is considered vulnerable by the IUCN as its population is believed to be decreasing due mainly to illegal hunting by local communities and natural predators, such as jaguars, sharks, and crocodiles. The Amazonian Manatee, like other manatees, grazes on sea grass for food, and similarly to the West Indian Manatee, communicates by vocalizing. The Amazonian Manatee has an average life span of 30 years.
Amazonian Manatees have a total length between 8’-10’ (2.4-3 m), body height of 1.6’-2’ (50-62 cm), and width of 2.1’-2.7’ (63-83 cm). The typical weight of the Amazonian Manatee is in the range of 573-1,058 lb (260-480 kg). Amazonian Manatee have lifespans between 15-30 years.
The Amazonian Manatee, known as Trichechus inunguis, is the smallest manatee and the only manatee that lives solely in freshwater tributaries. The Amazonian Manatee also has smoother, rubber-like skin when compared to the other, hairier manatees. The Amazonian Manatee is considered vulnerable by the IUCN as its population is believed to be decreasing due mainly to illegal hunting by local communities and natural predators, such as jaguars, sharks, and crocodiles. The Amazonian Manatee, like other manatees, grazes on sea grass for food, and similarly to the West Indian Manatee, communicates by vocalizing. The Amazonian Manatee has an average life span of 30 years.
Amazonian Manatees have a total length between 8’-10’ (2.4-3 m), body height of 1.6’-2’ (50-62 cm), and width of 2.1’-2.7’ (63-83 cm). The typical weight of the Amazonian Manatee is in the range of 573-1,058 lb (260-480 kg). Amazonian Manatee have lifespans between 15-30 years.