The Florida Keys are known for many things like beautiful beaches, amazing diving and snorkeling, eclectic cuisine and photographic sunsets. Yet, there is a giant lovable creature that hangs around the coastlines that many people never associate with the Keys.
That gentle giant is the Florida manatee. Among the many unusual wildlife species you find in the Keys, the manatees in the Florida Keys get overlooked.
Facts About Manatees
Manatees are fascinating marine mammals, and here are some interesting facts about them:
- Manatees are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their peaceful and slow-moving nature. They are known for their calm and non-aggressive behavior.
- Manatees are herbivores, primarily feeding on aquatic plants such as seagrasses and algae. They can consume up to 10-15% of their body weight in vegetation daily.
- There are three species of manatees: the West Indian manatee, the West African manatee, and the Amazonian manatee. The West Indian manatee is the most well-known and widely distributed.
- Manatees are typically found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas, particularly in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of West Africa and the Amazon River Basin.
- Adult manatees can reach lengths of up to 13 feet (4 meters) and weigh between 800 to 1,200 kilograms (1,800 to 2,600 pounds).
- Manatees are not fast swimmers, with an average speed of about 5 miles per hour (8 kilometers per hour). However, they are excellent divers and can stay submerged for several minutes.
- Manatees are considered vulnerable to extinction. They face numerous threats, including boat collisions, habitat loss, and cold stress. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve these unique creatures.
- Manatees have flippers that are more similar to a human hand than a fish’s fin. They use these flippers for tasks such as grasping food, grooming and social interactions.
- Manatees are mammals, so they need to breathe air. They surface for air every few minutes, but they can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes when resting.
- Manatees communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, including squeaks, chirps and whistles. These sounds are important for social interaction and mating.
- Manatees can live for 60 years or more in the wild. Their lifespan can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions.
- Manatees are closely related to dugongs, which are similar marine mammals found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. Both belong to the order Sirenia.
- In some cultures, manatees have been the source of myths and legends, often mistaken for mermaids due to their somewhat human-like appearance when seen from a distance.
Manatees are intriguing creatures with a vital role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, and efforts to protect and conserve them are crucial for their survival.
Why Would Manatees Be in the Florida Keys
Manatees can be found in the Florida Keys for several reasons:
- **Warm Water:** The Florida Keys have a subtropical climate, and the waters around the Keys remain relatively warm throughout the year. Manatees are sensitive to cold temperatures and seek out warm waters, especially during the winter months. The consistent warmth of the Florida Keys’ waters provides a suitable habitat for manatees to thrive.
- **Abundant Seagrass Beds:** Manatees are herbivores and primarily feed on seagrasses and aquatic vegetation. The Florida Keys have extensive seagrass beds, making them an attractive foraging area for manatees. These seagrass beds provide a reliable food source, which is essential for their survival.
- **Migration:** Manatees are known to migrate in search of food, warmer waters, and breeding opportunities. The Florida Keys can serve as a migratory corridor or destination for manatees moving between different parts of Florida, including the mainland and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Caribbean.
- **Habitat Diversity:** The Florida Keys offer a variety of habitats, including estuaries, canals, and sheltered bays, which can serve as important areas for manatees to rest, socialize, and seek refuge from inclement weather.
Overall, the warm and seagrass-rich waters, along with conservation initiatives and a suitable habitat, make the Florida Keys an attractive location for manatees, especially during the winter months when they seek warmer waters to survive.
How Many Manatees Are There in Florida
The number of manatees in Florida can vary from year to year due to factors such as changes in population, weather conditions, and the accuracy of survey methods.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) conducts regular manatee surveys and releases annual reports on the estimated population of manatees in Florida.
According to the latest data, the estimated number of manatees in Florida was around 8,810 individuals. It’s important to note that this number is subject to change, and the most up-to-date information on manatee populations can be obtained from the FWC’s manatee research and conservation efforts.
The agency conducts aerial surveys, photo-identification studies, and other research methods to monitor and assess the manatee population in Florida.
It should be noted that counting the number of manatees is inherently difficult. Their habitat is diverse and can change as they migrate. Weather can impact their locations at any given time.
Where You Can See Manatees in The Florida Keys
Seeing manatees in the Florida Keys is a unique and exciting experience. Here are some places in the Florida Keys where you can often spot manatees:
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
This sanctuary encompasses a large portion of the Florida Keys and includes various habitats where manatees can be found. Popular areas within the sanctuary to spot manatees include the waters around Key Largo, Marathon, and Big Pine Key.
Marathon
The waters around Marathon in the Middle Keys are known for having manatee populations. Manatees are often spotted in the canals and marinas in this area. You can also check out the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, where they occasionally have resident manatees.
While not as common as in other areas of the Florida Keys, manatees can occasionally be seen in the waters around Key West, especially in canals and quiet backwater areas.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, noted below, located in Key Largo is not only known for its coral reefs but also for the potential to see manatees in the nearby waters. You can take boat tours or rent kayaks to explore the area. Shallow warm waters are the place to look.
Big Pine Key
The Big Pine Key area and nearby No Name Key have seagrass beds and quiet canals that are frequented by manatees. The National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key is also a good place to inquire about manatee sightings and learn about local conservation efforts.
Many eco-tour operators in the Florida Keys offer manatee-watching tours. These guided tours are led by knowledgeable naturalists who can take you to areas where manatees are commonly seen and provide valuable information about manatee behavior and conservation.
This article originally appeared here and was republished with permission.
