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Trichechus manatus latirostris
The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, is the largest of all living sirenians. Florida manatees inhabit the most northern limit of sirenian habitat. Over three decades of research by universities, governmental agencies, and NGOs, has contributed to understanding of Florida manatee ecology and behavior. They are found in freshwater rivers, in estuaries, and in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Florida manatees may live to be greater than 60 years old in the wild, and one captive manatee, "Snooty", has lived for 63 years. In captivity, West Indian manatees live up to 28 years.[citation needed] The biggest single threat to Florida manatees is death from collisions with recreational watercraft. Large concentrations of Florida manatees are located in the Crystal River area and the Wakulla Springs regions in central and north Florida. The best time to see the Wakulla Springs manatees is in November and December, and in the spring for the Crystal River manatees.
Freshwater springs feeding into Crystal River
Mother with calf
1 Comment
We have a similar species here in Australia. Moreton Bay in Brisbane apparently has thousands of what we call "dugong's" and, you know' I've never seen one. Bay water is not as crystal clear as this. Well done on a wonderful spotting of mother and calf.