Florida is home to many exotic animals, but none more fascinating than the manatee (figure A), a rare marine mammal. Hunted by the area's earliest inhabitants, then manatee continues to suffer even in the 21st century: loss of habitat, pollution and boat traffic have all pushed the manatee to the brink of extinction. Park ranger Betsy Dearth loves working with the huge, gentle creatures -- and when Amanda, one of the female manatees, gave birth to a daughter, the infant was named Betsy in her honor. Dearth shares a few interesting facts about manatees: - They can stay underwater as long as 18 minutes while sleeping, but they must come up for air every three to five minutes when waking.
- Manatees are relatives of the elephant; their noses, although shorter, are similar in structure and use to an elephant's trunk.
- A manatee's gestation period is 13 months; they give live birth and nurse their young underwater.
Manatees in the wild are protected by speed zones, safe areas and other protective measures, but they aren't out of danger. Public education is necessary, as is constant vigilance, if these unique mammals are to survive.
RESOURCES :
Manatee
Model: 0811819205
Author: Rei Ohara
Chronicle Books
July, 1998
Chronicle Publishing Company
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
The Manatee (Endangered in America)
Model: 0761301631
Author: Alvin Silverstein, et al.
Millbrook Pr Trade
July, 1996
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