How many manatees are left in 2019?

The West Indian manatee is a large marine mammal often referred to as the “sea cow”. This is due to its slow-moving nature and eating habit of consuming hundreds of pounds of seagrass a day. Their friendly and gentle nature also makes them favorites with local residents and tourists alike. Once listed as an endangered species, manatees are currently on the road to recovery and growth.

Manatees can be found throughout the Caribbean, around Florida, and in areas along the South American coast. Despite their large distance range, manatee populations have suffered from population decreases. Their numbers declined due to heavy hunting in the Caribbean in the early 20th century. Additionally, habitat and food source losses through land development. The number one threat is boat strikes because manatees are slow-moving and float close to the surface along the coast. This makes them vulnerable to serious injury or death from accidents.

Manatees found their way onto the endangered species list during the 1970s. It was a period when only a few hundred of these creatures remained in the wild. Over the course of four decades, consistent conservation efforts led to a steady increase in their numbers. In March 2017, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior reclassified the West Indian manatee’s status. This reclassification shifted its status from “endangered” to “threatened” due to a revival in population.

As of 2019, an estimated 13,000 manatees inhabit the wild, with around 6,500 residing in U.S. waters, mainly in Florida and Puerto Rico. Aerial surveys have played a crucial role in assessing the population. These surveys began in 1991, revealing a count of only 1,267 manatees in the region at that time. By 2019, the Florida population had grown to approximately 6,300, indicating progress but still falling short of optimal levels.

Despite the upgraded status from endangered to threatened, the journey toward ensuring a safe population size is ongoing. The significance of conservation efforts remains paramount. Manatee populations positively respond to intervention, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and habitat preservation.

Preserving these beloved marine animals, ensuring their vitality, and sustaining their habitats are top priorities. Individuals who have had the privilege of encountering these creatures up close at Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees in Crystal River, Florida can affirm their significance. The experience of interacting with manatees underscores their importance in marine conservation efforts. For comprehensive information on manatees and manatee tours, explore Captain Mike’s Swimming With The Manatees website.

How long do West Indian manatees live?

Tracking the lifespans of endangered species is critical to their survival and can offer helpful clues on how to save them. Scientists believe that the West Indian manatee can live as long as 50 to 60 years. However, for a number of reasons, few manatees in the wild live to the full potential of their lifespans.

While manatees lack natural predators, their natural habitat remains a constant threat. Manatees often float near the water’s surface, making them vulnerable to boat collisions. Accidental boat impacts cause the majority of serious injuries and fatalities among manatee populations. Despite implementing numerous measures to reduce these incidents, such accidents persist.

Additionally, manatees face the gradual degradation of their habitat. Human development has significantly reduced the availability of the natural resources that manatees rely on. Warm spring-fed waters are essential for the survival of West Indian manatees during colder months when ocean waters become cooler. Unfortunately, many of these critical areas are being lost due to human development.

Pollution has significantly impacted the West Indian manatee population. A fully-grown manatee can consume up to 150 pounds of food daily. Pollution-induced resource depletion has led to the loss of seagrass, a vital food source. Consequently, some manatees struggle to find sufficient nourishment, negatively affecting their lifespans.

These factors contribute to an estimated average manatee lifespan of about 30 years in the wild, only half of their potential lifespan.

Manatees exhibit adaptability and can thrive in captivity for extended periods. Snooty, born in captivity in 1948, held the longevity record. Living his entire life in a Florida aquarium, he passed away in 2017 at the age of 69 due to an accidental drowning. Snooty’s life has been studied by scientists to exemplify manatees’ potential lifespan.

Conservation initiatives are actively underway to ensure manatees reach their full lifespans, both in captivity and the wild. These efforts will significantly enhance the survival of the West Indian manatee—a remarkable marine species cherished by many. Visitors to Florida can engage in manatee watching and swimming experiences at “Captain Mike’s Swimming with the Manatees.” To learn more about manatees and book tours, visit their website or arrange a tour in Crystal River, Florida.