West Indian Manatee

Description

The West Indian manatee or "sea cow", also known as the North American manatee, is the largest surviving member of the aquatic mammal order Sirenia. It is further divided into two subspecies, the Florida manatee and the Antillean or Caribbean manatee, based on genetic and morphological studies. Manatees are obligate herbivores, have developed vocal communication abilities, and are covered in highly sensitive vibrissae that are used for feeding and navigation. During breeding season, several males form mating herds around an individual female; on average, one calf is born to a female manatee every two to three years.