PROJECT
Fauna and Flora Research Program
 
Species Studied
Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
 
     
 
Some manatee facts:
 

• The Amazonian manatee is a mammal of about 2.8 to 3.0 meters long and weighs up to 450 kilograms.

 

• It is the only manatee species living in fresh water and can be found in all rivers of the Amazon basin.

 

• It feeds on aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and can stay submerged for more than 20 minutes without coming up to breathe.

 

• In general, a female manatee bears only one calf at a time, and the young can be nursed for up to two years.

 

• It is a threatened species, mainly as a result of illegal hunting for meat and leather, but also because of habitat destruction.

 
DESCRIPTION
The Amazonian manatee faces innumerable threats, such as hunting and environmental degradation. This species is classified as "vulnerable" by IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources), and belongs to the official list of Brazilian fauna threatened with extinction (IBAMA). Moreover, it is included in the Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which lists species threatened with extinction.

In 2003, IPÊ launched the Manatee Project, aiming at designing and implementing a conservation program for this species and its habitat, through conservation actions based on scientific research and environmental education activities performed together with the local community (IPÊ has been developing such activities in the region since 2001).

Very little is known about the population ecology of manatees living on the Rio Negro, due to their timid nature and to the fact that they live in blackwaters, which makes it difficult to observe them in their natural habitat. Their behavior is little known, and most behavioral studies are derived from observations of animals in captivity. The manatee usually belongs to small social groups (about 8 individuals) and the strongest bond among them is found between mother and calf.

The Amazonian manatee is the smallest species of sirenian, and exists only in the Amazon basin. It can reach 2.80 meters long and weigh about 500 kilograms. Its color ranges from dark grey to black, and many animals have white or pinkish markings on the abdomen. This species has only molar teeth, which influence its feeding habits, composed exclusively of aquatic and semi-aquatic vascular plants. An important factor for the species is that in the Amazon basin, seasonal water-level changes affect food availability, so studies need to occur year round to better understand their preferences over low and high tides.

Concerning the manatee project, IPÊ carries out research with the species in the wild on the Negro River at Anavilhanas Ecological Station. The goal is to gather data on its biology, behavior, and space distribution, and to be able to place radio-collars on the animals to better monitor them and gather different data on their diet, DNA, genetic status, sanitary conditions, species density, and hunting levels, among others. Research results will culminate in the design of a management plan to preserve the species in the region of the Anavilhanas Ecological Station.
 
OBJECTIVES
 

• To conduct research on the manatee living in the Rio Negro at the Anavilhanas Ecological Station, to better understand their conservation needs.

• To analyze data on diet, DNA, genetic status, sanitary conditions, species density, and hunting levels.

• To design a management plan to better protect the species.

TEAM

José Eduardo Lozano Badiallii
Coordinator of the Manatee Project
Contact: edubadi@ipe.org.br
 
SUPPORT
 

• IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources)
 

• Wildlife Trust (James Powell)
 
 

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