What Do Manatees Need to Survive?

Manatees are large, aquatic mammals related to the elephant. They can be found along the southeast coast of the United States. Unfortunately, these animals are in danger of becoming extinct.

  1. Identification

    • Manatees can weigh up to 1,200 pounds. They live in shallow, warm-water environments, including rivers and bays.

    Diet

    • Manatees are primarily herbivorous and can consume up to 9 percent of their body weight in plants during a single day.

    Behavior

    • Manatees are slow-moving animals. As mammals, they need to float to the water's surface to breathe. Unfortunately, this makes them vulnerable to serious injury from boats.

    Lifespan

    • Since they have no natural enemies, manatees can live more than 60 years. They mature and breed slowly.

    Endangerment

    • Manatees' needs make them vulnerable to extinction. Loss of habitat causes a lack of food and breeding waters. Their slow movement and need to stay in shallow waters make them easy targets for boat propellers, which cause serious injury and death. Measures to protect manatees have existed for more than 100 years.