As the state's sea mammal, Florida manatees weigh about 1,000 pounds and are often referred to as "gentle giants," according to EcoFlorida Magazine. Although manatees are well known in southern Florida, they are on the verge of extinction.
Facts
Florida manatees are herbivores and feast for up to eight hours a day. They resemble large seals, with gray and wrinkled skin. Manatees reside in Florida's estuaries, rivers, canals, and coastal areas where human activity is high.
Geography
Some manatees reside in southern Florida year-round, while others come to Florida from Georgia, Louisiana, and the Carolinas during the winter. Manatees require water that is above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Defenders of Wildlife.
Population
According to EcoFlorida Magazine, the manatee is in danger of becoming extinct, with only 2,200 accounted for in the year 2000.
Threats
The most common cause of manatee deaths are accidental collisions with boat propellers. Another threat to the Florida manatee is the destruction of their habitats.
Protection
In 1978, the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act passed, which designated Florida as an official refuge for the manatee. Still, the manatee population is still dwindling at an alarming rate as of 2009.
Tags: EcoFlorida Magazine, Florida Manatee, Florida manatees, southern Florida