Manatees And Dugongs

This book fully documents the natural history of Sirenia, the order of aquatic mammals including manatees of the Caribbean, West Africa, and the Amazon, as well as the Indo-Pacific dugong.

"An excellent introduction to the natural history of the four living species of sirenian, including the Florida and Antillean sub-species of the West Indian manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the dugong, as well as the extinct Stellar's Sea Cow."--Jacket

A synthesis of the ecological and related knowledge pertinent to understanding the biology and conservation of dugongs and manatees.

A compelling tale of magical myths and startling facts, of ruthless hunters and dedicated conservationists and of the uncanny gentleness of creatures poised on the edge of extinction. This story takes readers on adventures into the primordial springs of Florida to explore the crystalline home of the manatee firsthand. Also compares the chubby manatee to the voluptuous mermaid of legend. Photos and illustrations.

Marine mammals attract human interest – sometimes this interest is benign or positive – whale watching, conservation programmes for whales, seals, otters, and efforts to clear beaches of marine debris are seen as proactive steps to support these animals. However, there are many forces operating to affect adversely the lives of whales, seals, manatees, otters and polar bears – and this book explores how the welfare of marine mammals has been affected and how they have adapted, moved, responded and sometimes suffered as a result of the changing marine and human world around them. Marine mammal welfare addresses the welfare effects of marine debris, of human traffic in the oceans, of noise, of hunting, of whale watching and tourism, and of some of the less obvious impacts on marine mammals – on their social structures, on their behaviours and migration, and also of the effects on captivity for animals kept in zoos and aquaria. There is much to think and talk about – how marine mammals respond in a world dramatically influenced by man, how are their social structures affected and how is their welfare impacted?

This important scientific volume comprehensively explores the biology and ecological status of manatees and dugongs in all of the geographic regions where they can be found today, from the Caribbean to Eastern Africa, from Arabia to the Amazon, and from Japan through the South Pacific to Australia. Many of these dwindling populations are situated in developing countries--locales that have previously received little attention in the scientific literature. In these areas, people occupying rivers or coastlines still capture sirenians for food and other uses (oil, bones for carving, leather). In addition, disruption, erosion, or complete loss of sirenian habitat occurs because of dredge and fill, coastal run-off, chemical pollution, and damage from boat propellers. Sirenian Conservation features contributions from an international group of scientists who are working to address the many challenges to manatee and dugong food supply, environment, reproduction, and survival. They share stories of programs that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and monitor these animals; offer reports on practical, replicable, and cost-effective management techniques; and summarize current research strategies.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, and behavior of manatees and dugongs--endangered, vegetarian mammals that live in the water.

From two scientists who have been at the forefront of manatee research for over three decades, The Florida Manatee offers an engaging, accessible introduction to manatee biology, including communication, diet, long-distance migration, and much more. This second edition is updated with new scientific research, as well as discussions of recent conservation efforts—largely driven by manatee injuries and deaths resulting from boat collisions—that have contributed to the robust growth of manatee numbers in Florida. It also includes the latest predictions for manatee populations and health in the future, both in Florida and worldwide. This is the perfect book for anyone seeking the most comprehensive, current information on this fascinating marine mammal.