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A group of Manatees (Trichechus
manatus manatus), locally called Sea Cows have been sighted in St.
Ann’s Bay. The animals have been in the Bay since Saturday, November
29th.
According to Ainsley Henry,
Manager of the Ecosystem Management Branch at the National
Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), “Manatees, which are a
protected species in Jamaica, are rarely sighted in our waters, as
the population in Jamaica is estimated to be less than 50
manatees.”
Manatees feed on water plants
such as sea grass, consuming up to 45kg of vegetation in six to
eight hours. They are commonly found along the coast in shallow,
calm brackish waters (a mixture of salt and freshwater) usually one
to two meters deep. They are seen near areas with rivers as they
drink freshwater from the sea surface. It is believed that the
presence of sea grass beds and freshwater in the Bay may be the
reason for them remaining in the area as they appear to be feeding.
NEPA is advising the public
that manatees are endangered, that is, they are at risk of
extinction. They are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act
and the Endangered Species (Protection, Conservation and Regulation
of Trade) Act. It is an offence to kill, hurt or have in one’s
possession the whole or any part of the animal. Persons found guilty
of this offence can face a maximum fine of $100,000 or twelve (12)
months in prison.
Manatees are gentle, slow
moving animals, weighing up to 1500kg and can reach lengths of up to
4.2m. They are mammals, and as such give birth to live young,
usually one offspring at a time which is weaned after two years.
They are found throughout the Caribbean and as far north as Florida.
In Jamaica, they have been sighted mainly along the south coast, in
the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth.
The public is being asked to
report any sighting of manatees to NEPA at 754-7540.
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