Distribution patterns of individually identifiable West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) in Florida

Marine Mammal Science
By: , and 

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Abstract

Photographs of distinctively scarred manatees (Trichechus manatus) were taken at aggregation sites throughout Florida and assembled into a catalog for identifying individuals. Resightings of known manatees in different years or at different locations enabled us to document site fidelity and long-distance movements. Of the 891 individuals included in the catalog as of August 1986, 470 (53%) were resighted at least once. We documented 219 cases of seasonal returns to specific aggregation sites and 98 instances of movements between areas. Movements in excess of 820 km were documented for individuals on the east coast of Florida. Rapid movements south during early winter, as well as northerly spring movements, verify a seasonal migration pattern for many individuals along Florida's east coast. The wide-ranging migratory habits of manatees in Florida must be considered if meaningful management strategies are to be developed and implemented.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Distribution patterns of individually identifiable West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) in Florida
Series title Marine Mammal Science
DOI 10.1111/j.1748-7692.1991.tb00564.x
Volume 7
Issue 2
Year Published 1991
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Florida Integrated Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center
Description 11 p.
First page 180
Last page 190
Country United States
State Florida
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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