Mermaid in Legendary
Species File
Name: West African Manatee
Laten Name: Trichechus Senegalensis
Higher classification: Manatee
Rank: Species
Weight: 500kg
Length: 3~4 m
Proterozoic: West Africa
Description:
West African manatees are grayish brown in color whereas newborns are born with darker coloration that fades after approximately one month until it is similar to that of an adults. Also the head is broad with a short snout and small eyes with no eyelashes and small ears. In addition, the body of a manatee is seal-shaped and tapering to a flat paddle-shaped tail. Fine colorless hair covers the entire body and there are stout bristles around the mouth.
Habit and Range
African manatees can be found in much of the western region of Africa such as in Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, and so on.
The West African manatee Individuals show preference for mangrove habitats and calm water conditions, and it seems to be restricted to water that is 18℃ and over. They can be found in freshwater, brackish or salt water in a number of habitats such as marine coastal areas, lagoons, estuaries and river tributaries.
Reason for Decline
The almost important reason for decline because of illegal hunting is the greatest reason for declines in manatee populations, and local peoples shoot the manatee for food or for their skins, so hunters kill them and sold their meat, fat and skin. Also Fishermen’s nets also pose a threat and habitat destruction is also adversely affecting the numbers of these animals, especially the destruction of mangrove swamps and damming of rivers.
Current Conservation efforts
Some non-governmental organizations have been instrumental in helping to preserve the manatees by educating local human inhabitants as to the importance of the manatees, maybe this is not enough to save all the west African manatees, but this is good start to stabilize and hopefully increase numbers of West African manatees.
Save the Manatee Club
Save the Manatee Club focuses their efforts on protecting the three species of manatees and their marine habitats through advocacy, public awareness and education, research, rescue and rehabilitation.
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