Drawing maps of Greater Caribbean manatee habitats in South America; a huge step forward in conservation and rehabilitation

West Indian manatees are gentle, slow-moving marine mammals known for their round, whiskered faces and large, paddle-shaped tails. Often referred to as “sea cows,” these unique creatures are primarily found in shallow marine coastal waters, estuaries and inland rivers of South America. They play a vital role in their ecosystems by grazing on aquatic plants, helping to maintain healthy water habitats. Sadly, the subspecies of West Indian manatees that inhabit South America, the Greater Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN due to threats like habitat loss, boat collisions, and climate change. Their survival depends on active conservation efforts to protect their habitats and reduce human impacts.

For the first time, 23 experts from 6 countries across South America, from Brazil to Colombia, gathered to collaborate on strategies to enhance manatee protection across the continent. Specifically, they worked to refine manatee habitat maps, which will help identify critical areas that require immediate protection.

“The workshop brought knowledge holders together with data and firsthand information that has never been shared before”, said Dr. Carol Meirelles, a manatee expert and Research Associate at the the Marine Mammal Research Unit (MMRU) at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. “It allowed us to determine where manatees still occur, and where they are threatened.”

For the first time, 23 experts from Colombia, Venezuela, Guiana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil gathered to collaborate on strategies to enhance manatee protection across the continent.

“It was truly remarkable to have such a diverse group of manatee experts from across South America gathered in one room—and to see the critical need for them to speak with a unified voice if they are to save manatees in their home countries,” said Dr. Andrew Trites, Director of the MMRU. “West Indian manatees don’t belong to a single country. They live in Colombia, Venezuela, Guiana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil—regions where 5 national languages are spoken and environmental protection varies significantly. They are a shared responsibility of all South America. All of the countries that are home to manatees must unite to ensure their survival.”

Drawing from the invaluable insights shared at the workshop, Dr. Meirelles will continue to update manatee habitat maps with the new information shared at the workshop, ensuring that the maps remain accurate and actionable for conservation work. The ultimate goal is the ability to share these publicly. The multinational team of manatee experts will also continue to collaborate in the coming months through online meetings, with the goal of creating a comprehensive priority map for manatee conservation management in South America.

The workshop was made possible by the newly formed Alliance for Manatees; a project of the MMRU. It was supported by Aquasis, a Brazilian non-profit organization focused on marine conservation, and by a range of partners, including Nuremberg Zoo, Pairi Daiza Foundation, Yaqu Pacha e.V., and the IUCN Species Survival Commission. “We wanted to contribute to the long-term conservation of manatees, and are proud to support the Alliance’s efforts,” said Dr. Catherine Vancsok, Scientific Director of the Pairi Daiza Foundation, one of the workshop’s key supporters. “The manatees are fortunate to have such dedicated advocates in the Alliance.” Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, Curator Research and Conservation at the Nuremberg Zoo echoed this sentiment. “As the coordinator of the manatee ex-situ program for the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, I see our support for the Alliance for Manatees as a unique opportunity to combine our knowledge and resources to ensure the long-term survival and protection of manatee populations.”

“The willingness shown this week to collaborate and share data and knowledge gives me hope that, by uniting our efforts and speaking with one voice, we will ultimately save manatees across their entire range,” said Meirelles.

Tags: Alliance for Manatees, Andrew Trites, Carol Meirelles, conservation, IOF Research Associates, manatees, MMRU, Research, South America, workshop