Status of semi-captive manatees in Jamaica
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00025Abstract
The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is one of the most endangered species in Jamaica. Four manatees were impounded at the Alligator Hole River on the south coast of the island since 1981. Their semi-captive status was unclear and the present study reports on the documentation of their gender and survival possibilities. The river was surveyed between 18-25 June 1991 by canoeing and snorkeling, interviews were conducted and photographs and documents were examined to ascertain their status, confirm their gender determination and to assess the circumstances of their capture. A total of 10 sightings were recorded, representing three different animals, all females. They were extremely evasive of humans, as they had been mistreated for long periods of time. Two of the animals appeared healthy, but one was observed with a severe cut in its caudal peduncle, produced by a rope and net. Given Jamaica's low manatee population numbers, and the observed degradation of the river, no justification exists to hold three reproducing female manatees apart from the rest of the Jamaican manatee gene pool. It is recommended that the manatees be captured and released at sea, after fitting them with satellite radio-transmitters, which will allow monitoring their re-adaptation to the wild.Downloads
How to Cite
Mignucci-Giannoni, A. A., Montoya-Ospina, R. A., & Velasco-Escudero, M. . (2003). Status of semi-captive manatees in Jamaica. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals, 2(1), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.5597/lajam00025
Issue
Section
Articles
License
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).