Environmental characterization of home range of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus) released in northeastern Brazil

This study characterized the home range areas of six rehabilitated manatees released in northeastern Brazil. The activities were conducted in the states of Paraíba, Sergipe, and Bahia. Type of environment, substrate, depth, aquatic vegetation, physicochemical variables of the water, presence of solid waste, human settlements, and watercraft were considered to characterize the areas. The results showed a manatee preference for sheltered areas. Resources were available in larger quantities in the dry season, and a reduction in the availability of food items was fund over the years. High overlap was found in the multivariate space of the individuals in terms of the characteristics of the habitats. The estuary of the Paraíba River and the coastal area of Cabedelo Beach in Paraíba showed the greatest amount of solid waste, human settlements, and watercraft. Released manatees exhibited a preference for sites shallower than two meters, with food resources and fresh water availability.PMID:37729289 | DOI:10.1590/0001-3765202320220574
Source: An Acad Bras Cienc - Category: Science Authors: Source Type: research