Source: US Fish and Wildlife

THE DISAPPEARING MANATEE
The Florida Manatee is known to have no natural enemies and can live as long as 60 years in the wild. Unfortunately due to human encroachment and carelessness the manatee is an endangered species.

According to a February 2006 survey there are approximately 3,116 manatees left off the waters of Florida and the rest of the US. Most human-related manatee deaths occur from collisions with watercrafts. The ultimate threat to these creatures though, is the loss of habitat. With more and more high-rises being built on the coast, the manatee has fewer places to breed and live.

Source: New Florida

CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Conservation efforts are underway to ensure that this precious animal stays part of our ecosystem for generations to come. Government, non-profit organizations and individuals have already worked together to set up manatee speed zones in bays, rivers and other waterways of Florida. Also several manatee sanctuaries have been established, many of them in Crystal River, Florida.

Facilities like Mote Marine Laboratories, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, SeaWorld and others are researching and working to rehabilitate injured and sick manatees so they can be released back into the wild. If you would like to participate in the conservation efforts please click on our links section for organizations near you.

Resources for this article provided by Wikipedia.