Trichechus manatus latirostris
Bay area of the
Flamingo Visitor Center
Everglades National Park
Florida
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One form of social interaction between manatees is "kissing", mouthing and chasing.
Female manatees tend to reach great lengths and weights than males.
Thus the manatee on the left is probably the female
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There is no evidence that manatees were once much more abundant in Florida than they are now.
However, conservation of the manatee poses a tough challenge
Factors that contribute to the challenge are the manatee's slow breeding rate, degradation of habitat and increased collisions with boats.
Source: Victoria Brook Van Meter; Florida Power and Light Company Publication, 1989.