Manatee Mortality Winter 2008-2009

December 7, 2009 05:51

Manatee Mortality Winter 2008-2009
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

During winter 2008-2009 (November 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009), 261 manatee carcasses were reported statewide. This number was well above the average number of deaths (188) that occurred during November through April of the most recent five years (five-winter average). Although increased carcass counts across years do not necessarily indicate an actual increase in the death rate, the information can be used to monitor threats to the manatee population. During winter 2008–2009, researchers documented a disproportionately high number of deaths related to cold stress. Loss of warm water is a significant long-term threat to the manatee population, and researchers are carefully evaluating the recent data. (See Quantitative Threats Analysis for the Florida Manatee, http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/resshow/manatee/, authored by U.S. Geological Survey and FWC researchers.)

Category:

• Environment
• Veterinary Medicine/Animal Welfare

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