Florida Manatee. Trichechus manatus latirostris. In 1493 Columbus possibly mistook these gentle giants for mermaids. But, they are actually large plant-eating slow moving aquatic mammals. Short front flippers help them steer or crawl through shallow waters and strong paddle-shaped tails propel them. An average adult is about 10 feet long and weighs between 1500 & 2200 pounds with a life expectancy of about 50-60 years. The major threats to manatee survival are human activities: boat-related injuries and deaths, habitat loss or degradation, and in some countries, hunting. Credit: R.Bonde/USGS
RMID:Image ID:2JFX3A9
Image details
Contributor:
J Marshall - Tribaleye Images / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2JFX3A9File size:
20.3 MB (230.7 KB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
3072 x 2304 px | 26 x 19.5 cm | 10.2 x 7.7 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
3 March 2010Location:
United States of America, FloridaPhotographer:
digitaleye / USGS