West Indian Manatee [Trichechus]
Description
Trichechus is the sole genus within the family Trichechidae and comprises three species: the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis), and the West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis). These large, aquatic mammals are known for their slow-moving nature and are found in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments. They have a distinct body shape with a paddle-like tail and two forelimbs used for maneuvering in the water. Manatees are herbivores, feeding primarily on a variety of submerged and floating vegetation. They have a sparse distribution due to habitat destruction, boat strikes, and other human-related factors. West Indian Manatees are generally found in the Caribbean Sea and the southeastern United States, Amazonian Manatees inhabit the Amazon Basin, and West African Manatees are distributed along the west coast of Africa.
Species
