Mammal
The manatee
Trichechus manatus
The manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, also often called the "sea cow", is a mammal which lives in the coastal areas and rivers of South America.
Lamantin dans le bassin de la serre tropicale
© MNHN - F.-G. Grandin Lifestyle
This "sea cow" lives in the shallow waters of the Caribbean, on the south-east coast of the United States, and in certain estuaries and rivers in French Guiana. Its cohabitation with humans is difficult, particularly due to collisions with boats and discharges of pollutants.
The manatee spends 6 to 8 hours a day eating, and can swallow up to 50 kg of food a day.
Distinctive features
Its Latin name Trichechus comes from the hairs that cover its body and snout. These are sensory hairs that measure vibrations in the water.
The manatee is also characterised by the development of its upper lip, which is a real gripping organ.
The manatee: an endangered species
Manatees are threatened by fatal injuries caused by propellers, nets and other fishing gear, the discharge of pollutants into the water and the proliferation of toxic algae. These environmental and human causes are compounded by late sexual maturity and a very long gestation period: around 12 months for a single calf.
The Museum's action to protect the manatee
The Parc zoologique de Paris is taking part in a research programme on communication between individuals, which will help to better protect this species in its natural environment. The reception of a female manatee will enable reproduction as part of a project to reintroduce the manatee into the Guadeloupe National Park.
Nourrissage des lamantins au Parc zoologique de Paris
© MNHN - F.-G. Grandin
Kalina, femelle lamantin
© MNHN - F.-G. Grandin
Lamantins
© MNHN - F.-G. Grandin
Herbert, le lamantin
© MNHN - F.-G. GrandinSponsor a species
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