The West Indian Manatee: A threatened species

The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is one of only three species of manatees in the world. It is one of Jamaica's threatened species and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Red List of Threatened Species. In Jamaica, the West Indian Manatee has been protected by law under the Wildlife Protection At since 1971. The estimated West Indian Manatee population in Jamaica is less than 100, but some scientists believe that it might actually be less than 50.

Negative effects on the population

Human-related activities such as entanglement in fishing gear, marine pollution, boat strikes and habitat loss due to coastal development are the biggest threats to the manatees.

Habitat and Lifespan

Although the West Indian Manatee is a marine mammal, it spends most of its time in areas such as lagoons where there is a large source of freshwater and aquatic plants on which it feeds. They live for a maximum of 60 - 70 years and can weigh up to 1,600 kg. They become sexually mature between six and ten years and on average give birth every three to five years. A female calf, usually in spring and summer between March and August. Pregnancy lasts for 12 - 14 months and the calf is weaned after 18 months.
 

Sources:

NEPA -  http://www.nrca.org/yourenv/biodiversity/species/manatee.htm

UNEP CEP Technical Reoprt No. 35. 1995: Regional Management Plan for the West Indian Manatee

Save the Manatee Club - http://www.savethemanatee.org/default.html