The manatees have been hunted,
mainly for their meat and fat,
although the species is currently
protected. If its habitat is not
preserved, the species will disappear
in a few years.
The three species of manatees that
exist are rated on the List of
Extinction Species of the World
Conservation Union (IUCN) as
vulnerable. Currently, the number of
deaths (natural and man-made) is
greater than the births that occur
(the species reproduces slowly, the
females have a baby every 3 to 5
years).
It is estimated that the population of
manatees of the West Indies, the
West Indies and Florida does not
exceed 2,500 copies. Man
constitutes the greatest threat to
these animals. Manatees are slow
and non-aggressive animals, which
makes them easy prey for hunters.
Human expansion has reduced its
natural habitat in many areas. The
Manatee Reserve, in Río Dulce,
Guatemala, is perhaps one of its last
sanctuaries. Manatees ingest toxic
substances mixed with vegetables.
In the case of the Florida
manatee, due to their
distribution above the Tropic
of Cancer line, they often
congregate near artificial
sources of heat, such as atomic
power plants.