Study of distribution and habitat use of the population of West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Tortuguero National Park (Costa Rica)

Lead researcher: Mari Luz Parga (SUBMON).

Description:

The West Indian manatee (Trichetus manatus manatus) is one of the most endangered animals in America, listed as at risk of extinction by the IUCN and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Although currently there is an awareness among the local population and public authorities on the need to preserve the manatee and its habitat, in reality there is insufficient knowledge of the species in its own distribution area to implement real and effective conservation plans. This lack of knowledge is greater in Central America (Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua). This is because of the extreme conditions of the area, which is difficult to access, with wide areas of very deep, narrow channels and very murky waters that make it very difficult to observe and study the species with conventional techniques. That is why currently considered priority actions in this region are mainly based on increasing knowledge about the biology and ecology of the species, and training staff officers of NGOs and institutions working with manatees.

This project responds to these needs, and so provides knowledge about the manatee population and its threats in the Tortuguero National Park area. This will provide the authorities with the development and implementation of management plans for species in this area.

The project has two main objectives: firstly, to find out the distribution of West Indian manatee in the area of study, categorize their habitat and conduct a census of the population; and secondly, to bring together a study group of the manatee in the region, so that the activities continue after this project ends. This will be achieved by studying the main habitats of the species in Tortuguero with the help of a lateral sonar sweep to facilitate observation of animals under water. It will also conduct interviews with local fishermen. All field activities will be completed with the help of the staff of local NGOs and in close relationship with official institutions, to ensure the continuation of work after completion of this project.

Being a very attractive flagship species, the manatee has considerable potential for raising the awareness of the public who visit zoos. Through their populations and their conservation problems, it is possible to explain the dangers to the habitats where they live and to other, less attractive but equally important species in the area. In addition, in addressing an “indicator” species, the study provides valuable information on the health of the ecosystem it inhabits. This information is not only important for other species in the area, but also for the population which shares its habitat and food with the manatee.

This study aims to determine, among other things, the preferred habitat of the manatee in the wild, mainly in terms of water quality, sun protection, type of river and vegetation. The results could provide useful information to improve the design of facilities intended for keeping West Indian manatee in captivity.

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