Gentle warm-water loving manatees (also known as sea cows) are feeling the chill with Florida’s unseasonably cool weather and waters. Manatees start to look for warmer water when the temperature drops below 68F (20ºC). With Tampa Bay and Gulf water temperatures around 50F (10ºC), the giant aquatic mammals are forced to seek warmth in springs and outflows from power plant discharge canals in an effort to stay warm. The water temperatures near the discharge canals are around 65-75F (18.3-23.9ºC).
Unfortunately, the herbivores cannot tolerate cooler temperatures and the unseasonably cool climes are wreaking havoc on the creature’s immune systems. In 2010, 246 manatees died from cold stress as reported by The Associated Press.
Pollution, increased boat traffic, climate change, and habitat erosion are all contributing to the decline in the manatee population in Florida. According to the Save The Manatee Organization, the exact number of manatees living in the wild is unknown, but in January 2000, an estimated 2,200 manatees were recorded in Florida.
Manatees are slow moving and spend much of the day sleeping or grazing on long grass in shallow waters. Manatees are considered to be highly intelligent and understand discrimination tasks, are capable of complex associated learning and have excellent long-term memory.
Visit: http://www.savethemanatee.org/
Via CNS News
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