So, What’s a Manatee?

Manatees are large, herbivorous marine mammals that belong to the order Sirenia (that’s right, like “sirens” or “mermaids”). There are three distinct species of manatees:

West Indian manatee
Amazonian manatee
African manatee

*NOTE: There is a fourth species of the order Sirenia which are found in the Eastern Hemisphere. They are called Dugongs.

In the Caribbean, we find the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), which is divided into two subspecies:

the Florida manatee (yep, in and around Florida)
the Antillean manatee (in the Caribbean and further south)

The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is found in the warm coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea, including areas around Mexico, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. However, it’s an incredibly rare find.

There are only about 2,500 Antillean manatees in the wild, and perhaps only 100 in the entire Mexican Caribbean. Encountering one of these amazing creatures on our snorkeling tours in Mahahual is a rare and treasurable experience.

Known for its slow, graceful movements and friendly demeanor, this subspecies of the West Indian manatee is often referred to as a "sea cow" (even though more closely related to elephants!)

Found in shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and lagoons, the Antillean manatee faces various challenges in its fight for survival, but it remains a symbol of ecological importance and the need for more sustainable, eco-friendly aquatic activity.

Physical Characteristics

The Antillean manatee is a large, aquatic mammal with a round, robust body. Adults can grow up to 3.7 meters (12 feet) in length and weigh up to 590 kilograms (1,300 pounds), although some individuals can be larger. These gentle giants have a grayish or brownish skin that is often covered in algae or barnacles, giving them a somewhat rugged appearance. Their paddle-like tail and small flippers allow them to move gracefully through the water, despite their size.

One of the most distinctive features of the Antillean manatee is its wrinkled, whisker-covered snout, which is used to forage for food. Their diet consists mainly of seagrass and other aquatic vegetation, making them key players in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems. As herbivores, they spend a lot of their time grazing, eating tons of plants in order to maintain that massive size.

Habitat/Distribution in the Mexican Caribbean

In the Mexican Caribbean, Antillean manatees can be found in areas like the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, the Chetumal Bay (where the famous manatee “Danny” frequently visits), and coastal lagoons along the Yucatán Peninsula, such as in Mahahual. The calm, sheltered waters of these regions provide an ideal habitat for manatees, offering abundant food sources such as seagrasses and mangroves.

These environments are critical for the survival of the manatee population, as they offer not only food but also protection from predators and human threats. Coastal mangroves and seagrass beds, where manatees often feed, are also essential for the overall health of marine ecosystems, as they help filter water and prevent coastal erosion. (Check out our article on the importance of seagrass here…)

However, the loss of these habitats due to human activity, pollution, and climate change has become a huge problem. Coastal development, particularly in tourism-heavy areas like the Mexican Caribbean, has led to the destruction of manatee habitats and increased the risk of boat collisions—one of the leading causes of manatee injuries and fatalities.

Ecological Importance of the Antillean Manatee

The Antillean manatee helps to maintain the balance of the ecosystems it inhabits. As herbivores, they eat tons of seagrass and aquatic plants. This helps prevent overgrowth and promotes healthy seagrass beds.

Seagrass beds are vital for many species, serving as breeding grounds and nurseries for fish, crustaceans, sea turtles and tons of other marine species. By keeping these habitats in balance, manatees contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem, which also support the livelihoods of local fishing communities that rely on the health of marine resources.

Additionally, Antillean manatees contribute to nutrient cycling within their habitats. As they consume plants, they digest and excrete nutrients that enrich the surrounding water and sediment, supporting the growth of seagrasses and other aquatic plants. This nutrient cycling is essential for the productivity and resilience of marine ecosystems, particularly in areas like the Mexican Caribbean, where biodiversity is high.

Conservation Status and Threats

The Antillean manatee is currently classified as "Endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with populations declining due to a variety of threats. Human activities, including coastal development, pollution, and boat traffic, pose significant dangers to manatees.

Boat collisions are one of the most common causes of manatee deaths (particularly in areas around Florida), as these animals tend to swim slowly near the surface, making them vulnerable to strikes from fast-moving vessels.

In addition to boat strikes, habitat degradation is another major issue. The destruction of seagrass beds, mangroves, and freshwater sources through urban development, deforestation, and agricultural runoff reduces the available habitat for manatees, limiting their food sources and shelter.

Pollution, particularly from agricultural chemicals and waste, further degrades their environment, affecting the water quality and health of the ecosystems they depend on.

Climate change also threatens the future of the Antillean manatee. Rising sea levels, increasing ocean temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events can lead to habitat loss and further degradation of the coastal ecosystems that support manatee populations.

Conservation Efforts in the Mexican Caribbean

In response to the challenges faced by the Antillean manatee, various conservation efforts have been implemented in the Mexican Caribbean. Protected areas such as the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the Chetumal Bay Manatee Sanctuary play a helpful role in preserving the habitats that are critical for the survival of the species. These protected areas restrict human activities that could harm manatees or degrade their habitat, offering them a safe haven.

Additionally, La Leyenda ECO-TOURS works to raise awareness in Mahahual about the importance of implementing eco-friendly tourism and sustainable fishing practices. This not only helps preserve the habitats which the Antillean manatee calls home, but also for countless other marine species.

Our awareness campaigns focus on:

promoting responsible boating practices
reducing pollution and single-use plastics
eco-friendly snorkeling protocols
sustainable fishing practices
protecting critical habitats

Efforts to restore and protect seagrass beds and mangroves are also underway, as these ecosystems are vital to both manatees and the broader marine environment.

In recent years, ecotourism has emerged as a tool for manatee conservation. Responsible manatee-watching tours, guided by trained professionals, allow visitors to experience the beauty of these gentle giants while promoting conservation awareness.

Again, with decreased numbers of Antillean manatees in the wild, encountering them while snorkeling or on manatee-watching tours is increasingly rare.

The Future of the Antillean Manatee

The future of the Antillean manatee in the Mexican Caribbean depends on the cooperation of local communities, governments, and tourists. Protecting the species and its habitats is not only important for the survival of the manatee but also for the health of the entire marine ecosystem.

The Antillean manatee serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the interconnectedness of all species within an ecosystem. By safeguarding this gentle giant and its environment, we can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the rich biodiversity of the Mexican Caribbean and benefit from the essential ecosystem services it provides.

Ultimately, the survival of the Antillean manatee is a shared responsibility. Through education, responsibility, conservation efforts, and sustainable tourism, we can work together to protect this remarkable species and the vibrant ecosystems it calls home.

For further information about marine species in Mahahual, conservation efforts, or a snorkeling excursion with us, feel free to contact us any time!

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