The West Indian Manatee, known scientifically as Trichechus manatus, is a grey and brown marine mammal with a paddle shaped tail and front flippers found in the warm salt waters between southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The West Indian Manatee is considered threatened by the IUCN, but has increased its recorded population numbers from 1,267 manatees in Florida in 1991 to 6,300 currently, showing that recovery plans for this species are working. The West Indian Manatee grazes on seagrass and prefers waters above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, thus confining them to warm Floridan waters in the winter. However, during the summer the manatee has been seen as far north as Massachusetts and as far west as Texas.
West Indian Manatees have a total length between 10’-14.75’ (3-4.5 m), body height of 2.3’-3.5’ (70-107 cm), and width of 2.8’-4.3’ (85-130 cm). The typical weight of the West Indian Manatee is in the range of 794-1,190 lb (360-540 kg). West Indian Manatee have lifespans between 25-30 years.
The West Indian Manatee, known scientifically as Trichechus manatus, is a grey and brown marine mammal with a paddle shaped tail and front flippers found in the warm salt waters between southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The West Indian Manatee is considered threatened by the IUCN, but has increased its recorded population numbers from 1,267 manatees in Florida in 1991 to 6,300 currently, showing that recovery plans for this species are working. The West Indian Manatee grazes on seagrass and prefers waters above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, thus confining them to warm Floridan waters in the winter. However, during the summer the manatee has been seen as far north as Massachusetts and as far west as Texas.
West Indian Manatees have a total length between 10’-14.75’ (3-4.5 m), body height of 2.3’-3.5’ (70-107 cm), and width of 2.8’-4.3’ (85-130 cm). The typical weight of the West Indian Manatee is in the range of 794-1,190 lb (360-540 kg). West Indian Manatee have lifespans between 25-30 years.