![]() Most births are of a single calf about 120 centimeters (about 47 inches) long and weighing 30 kilograms (66 pounds), although a few cases of twins have been documented. Notice the placenta (lower right) still attached to the female. Learn more about estimating manatee age using growth layer groups in ear bones.Ī brand new manatee calf. Living manatees are classified as calves, subadults, and adults and age can be approximated by birth date (if known) and their size. Undetermined: The manatee is too badly decomposed to determine cause of death, the necropsy finding is inclusive, or the manatee carcass was reported and verified, but not recovered.Ī manatee’s age can be determined by the annual growth rings in its ear bones.Other Natural: Mortalities caused by natural circumstances such as cold stress, red tide, gastrointestinal disease, pneumonia, and other diseases. ![]() Perinatal: A dependent calf less than 150 cm (about 5 feet) that died around the time of birth and was not determined to have died from human-related causes.Watch our video: Manatees and Entanglement Other Human-Related: Manatee mortalities caused by monofilament line, fishing nets, fishing hooks, litter, poaching or other human activities.Flood Gate or Canal lock: Manatee mortalities caused when the animal is crushed and/or drowned in these structures.Watch our videos: In Danger on the Water and Manatees and Watercraft In the case of large power vessels and barges moving through shallow waters, manatees may be caught between the vessel and the water bottom, or the vessel and a docking structure, and crushed. Watercraft Collisions: Manatee mortalities caused by the crushing impact of the hull and/or slashing of the propellers.Scientists break down the causes of manatee deaths into six different categories: If these sources of mortality are not controlled, manatees may become extinct. Researchers have isolated several causes of manatee deaths, most of which are directly related to human contact or encroachment. This research revealed that few manatees were living past the age of 30, and the majority of animals that were necropsied died between the age of 0 and 10 years - nowhere near their estimated life expectancy of 60 years. In particular, research conducted at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows cause for concern. Because of the many perils in the wild, however, longevity is uncertain. In fact, it is possible for manatees to live up to 60 years or more. Manatees are capable of living long lives.
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