Trichechus

Manatees are gentle, slow-moving aquatic mammals known for their serene nature. They spend most of their time grazing on aquatic plants in shallow waters, which makes up the majority of their diet. Manatees are mostly solitary animals but can be seen in small groups or pairs, especially during mating season. They are known to communicate with each other through underwater sounds.

Manatees have a low reproductive rate, with females giving birth to a single calf every 2 to 5 years following a gestation period of about 12 to 14 months. The calf stays and nurses with the mother for a period before becoming independent, although it may remain in close proximity to her for up to two years.

Manatees are large, fully aquatic mammals with a rounded, paddle-like tail and two front flippers. They have a distinct, wrinkled face with a prehensile upper lip that they use to gather food. Their bodies are grayish, with a sparse scattering of hairs, and they can grow to be up to 13 feet (4 meters) long and weigh as much as 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms). Manatees are known for their slow metabolism and need for warm water, which influences their migratory patterns.

Manatees have been a part of human culture and folklore for centuries, often associated with mermaid legends by early sailors. They are distributed in coastal and inland waters of the southeastern United States, the Amazon Basin, and West Africa. Historically, manatees have been hunted for their meat, hide, and oil, but today, they are protected species in many of their habitats.

Manatees are considered vulnerable to extinction, with the West Indian manatee classified as Vulnerable and the Amazonian and West African species listed as Endangered by the IUCN. The primary threats to manatees include habitat destruction, boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, speed restrictions for boats in manatee habitats, and rehabilitation for injured individuals. In some areas, manatee populations have shown signs of recovery, thanks to effective conservation measures.