West Indian Manatee: Trichechus manatus, Multi-Species Recovery Plan for South Florida

A recovery plan in addition to a recently published 1996 West Indian manatee Recovery Plan. Once mistaken as a mermaid by sailor's of the past, the West Indian manatee is one of the largest, coastal mammals in North America. This unusual marine mammal with its massive, seal-like body, has been able to adapt well to life in the sea. Manatees migrate seasonally to adapt to changing water temperatures. West Indian manatees roam in fresh, brackish, and marine waters throughout Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. Intensive hunting pressures between the 1500-1800s reduced the number of manatees. Today, manatee populations throughout the world are endangered.