Manatees, often called sea cows, are gentle marine mammals that inhabit coastal waters and rivers. Their calm demeanor and herbivorous diet make them a unique part of aquatic ecosystems. A common question regarding these fascinating creatures revolves around their longevity and the elements that shape their time on Earth.
Manatee Lifespan in the Wild and Captivity
In their natural habitats, manatees are estimated to live for approximately 50 to 60 years. However, many individuals in the wild do not reach this potential lifespan. This disparity highlights the challenges they face in their environment.
Manatees under human care, in rehabilitation facilities or aquariums, often surpass 65 years. Snooty, a captive manatee, lived to be 69 years old. This protected environment, offering consistent care, stable food sources, and absence of external threats, contributes to their increased longevity.
Factors Influencing Manatee Longevity
Several natural and human-related factors influence manatee longevity. Natural threats include cold stress; manatees need water above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid illness and death. Harmful algal blooms (red tide) also pose a threat, as manatees can ingest or inhale toxins, causing severe health issues and mortality. They are also susceptible to various diseases and parasites.
Human activities substantially impact manatee survival. Boat strikes are a leading cause of manatee deaths, often from collisions with hulls or propellers. These slow-moving animals are difficult to spot, making them vulnerable to fast-moving vessels. Entanglement in fishing gear, like monofilament lines and nets, can cause injuries, infections, or even death.
Habitat degradation and loss also reduce manatee longevity. Coastal development and pollution contribute to the destruction of seagrass beds, their primary food source, leading to starvation. Manatees can also become trapped or crushed in flood control gates and canal locks.
Understanding Manatee Age and Protecting Their Future
Scientists estimate a manatee’s age by examining growth layer groups (GLGs) found in their ear bones. These layers are similar to tree rings, each GLG representing one year of life. This method requires examining bones from deceased manatees. Long-term tracking of individual manatees also helps understand their age progression and population dynamics.
Understanding manatee lifespan and the threats they encounter informs conservation efforts. Habitat protection initiatives safeguard and restore seagrass beds and warm water refuges. Rescue and rehabilitation programs provide medical care to injured or sick manatees, to return them to the wild.
Public awareness campaigns educate boaters about safe operating practices, like adhering to speed zones and remaining vigilant. Legislation like the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Endangered Species Act provides legal protections for manatees and their habitats. These combined efforts help manatees achieve their potential longevity.