Manatees are a group of three species of sirenids, which correspond exclusively to aquatic mammals. In this tab of our site, we want to present you with specific information on the species commonly known as Amazonian manatee or Amazonian manatee, which has the scientific name Trichechus inunguis and presents unique features that set it apart from the rest.
We invite you to continue reading and learn about the characteristics of the Amazonian manatee: where it lives, its reproduction and its conservation status, among others many things.
Characteristics of the Amazon Manatee
The Amazon manatee is the smallest of the three species of sirenids, however, it is also robust in appearance, but with more cylindrical and fusiform in shape. It reaches about 2.8 meters in length and reaches a weight close to 500 kg The skin is smooth, with few scattered hairs and gray in color. In some Amazonian manatees this coloration can be almost black. It also has certain lighter spots on the abdomen that are sometimes even whitish.
The head is large, with nostrils that close when submerged and small ear holes. On the mouth there are relatively long and abundant hairs. About 7 or 8 teeth are distributed in each half jaw when they are adults, with the particularity that they can be replaced as they wear out. It should be noted that it has two pectoral fins, with axillary breasts in the case of females and a single rear fin. Another distinctive feature of the Amazonian manatee is that does not have nails on the front flippers
Amazon Manatee Habitat
The Amazonian manatee is endemic to the Amazon River basin, which is why it is distributed throughout Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. In this sense, another of the exclusive characteristics of the species is that only inhabits fresh waters, having an irregular presence in fluvial and lacustrine systems in some seven million kilometers squares of this great basin.
The habitat of the Amazonian manatee is formed by tropical-type waters, below 300 meters above sea level. It is located in areas with an abundant presence of both aquatic and semi-aquatic plants. It also looks for areas of calm and shallow courses, preferably far from human settlements although it also has a temporary presence in deep areas.
The water temperature must be greater than 23 oCand, although it has a preference for clear waters, it is also found in turbid waters. Despite not having a permanent presence in Guyana, some manatees manage to penetrate the nearby area that borders Brazil.
Customs of the Amazon Manatee
The Amazonian manatee has both diurnal and nocturnal habits When its population was more abundant, it used to gather massively. However, this has been changing over time due to the indiscriminate hunting of this animal, so now it forms groups of about 4 to 8 individuals.
This is a mermaid that spends much of its time submerged although, like all aquatic mammals, it needs to go to the surface to breathe, but it only sticks out its nostrils for this. The forms of communication are mainly physical or tactile and chemical. It is a shy animal, which avoids contact with people and does not represent any danger to them.
On the other hand, it tends to do seasonal moves. For example, in the rainy season it moves to the flooded areas, while in the dry season it moves to deeper waters, such as lacustrine spaces, which provide it with protection.
Amazon Manatee Feeding
This manatee eats an exclusively herbivorous diet, consuming plants such as grasses, floating palm trees, lettuce and water plants. It consumes large amounts of food per day, approximately 8% of its weight. In the rainy season, when there is more abundance of plants, the Amazonian manatee takes the opportunity to consume more food and thus be able to generate sufficient reserves in its body, since in the dry season there is a decrease in the availability of food.
Amazon Manatee Reproduction
Unlike the Caribbean manatee, some specific aspects of the reproduction of the Amazonian species are not known. Although they can reproduce throughout the year, there are reproductive peaks when the vegetation to feed on is more abundant, which coincides with the rainy season. It has a maturation range that goes from 6 to 10 years of age.
The gestation period is long, it lasts between 12 to 14 months, after which is born a single calf This calf establishes lasting bonds with the mother, being by her side for about 2 years. The newborn is used to being on her mother, or swimming next to her, while she hugs him. The calving interval is between 2 and 3 years approximately.
The life expectancy of the Amazonian manatee in captivity is about 12 years, while in the wild it reaches 30 years of life.
Conservation status of the Amazonian Manatee
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the Amazonian manatee as vulnerable In general, the population of this animal has had a downward trend. In fact, comparisons with the past indicate a significant decrease, mainly due to the commercial hunting of the animal to use its meat, skin, fat and even bones.
Currently, the main causes of impact for the species are direct slaughter for consumption, getting caught in fishing nets and alteration of their habitat. Although its commercialization has decreased, in countries such as Brazil and Ecuador there are markets where fresh or preserved manatee meat is sold. On the other hand, when the mothers are hunted and the calves are left alive, they are sold on the illegal market to be used as pets.
Water contamination by mercury used for gold extraction, pesticides and heavy metals, and oil spills also affect water quality and, therefore, the manatee. Deforestation is another cause that alters the animal's habitat. Similarly, the noise caused by the excessive use of boats in the tributaries disturbs the species, since it is very susceptible to these sounds. The climate change is also another threat to this mammal, since, due to droughts and less water in some areas, it is exposed and more vulnerable to be hunted.
In all the countries mentioned where the Amazonian manatee is native, national laws have been established for its protection. In addition, it is included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
