Two manatees hanging out together
Manatees roam all over the coasts of this beautiful country, from the mainland to the cayes, and then back again to the mainland rivers for a drink of freshwater.
They consume about 10-15% of their body weight each day feeding on aquatic vegetation like seagrass, and while they can hold their up to 20 minutes, they surface frequently.
Manatees can replace 90% of the air in their lungs with each breath. To put it into perspective, humans are thought to only exchange about 10%! Manatee lungs are unique compared to other mammals. The lungs are long and flat, extending most the way down their back. Each lung is housed individually within the body, and instead of just one diaphragm, they have 2 hemi-diaphragms which is why they have such a massive exchange of oxygen with each breath.
Belize is home to one of the healthiest populations of the West Indian Manatee in this part of the world
You know what that means? You have a great chance of encountering them in the wild, but it also means that increasing marine traffic has resulted in a higher number of deadly collisions.
Do your part: engage in passive observation and support efforts to curb high speed in manatee hot spots.
FOUR REASONS TO PROTECT MANATEES
They are an essential part of the ecosystem As exclusively herbivorous mammals, their consumption of seagrass and algae help to control vegetation in waterways, while their excretions help to fertilize surrounding areas.
They are extremely devoted Manatees will do anything for their young; a mother-calf pair will stay together for as long as two years before the calf develops some independence.
They mind their own business Manatees are primarily herbivorous and are known for being one of the only surviving marine mammals not to eat other animals.
They are playful Manatees swim to get from one place to the other, but they also have been known to body surf or "barrel roll" just for fun too!
Photograph by John Romero
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