Here's a breakdown:
* Gestation period: 12-13 months
* Calf dependence: Calves remain with their mothers for about 18 months, nursing and learning survival skills.
However, the frequency of births can be influenced by various factors, including:
* Age: Older mothers tend to have longer intervals between births.
* Health: A healthy mother is more likely to reproduce regularly.
* Environmental conditions: Food availability, water quality, and other factors can influence breeding success.
* Population density: In areas with higher manatee populations, competition for resources can lead to lower birth rates.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual manatees may have varying reproductive cycles.