Wildlife Trust studies manatees in Belize

From the Edge of the Sea Aquatic Conservation Program of the Wildlife Trust:

The jewel of Central America, Belize boasts aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that have captured the world’s attention. Belize is located southeast of Mexico on the Caribbean Sea, encompassing an area of about 9000 square miles. The largest barrier coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, measuring 185 miles in length, is found off the coast of Belize. Moving inland, the land rises to 3000 feet above sea level, and biologically diverse tropical forests cover large areas of the country.

Belize is one of the most important manatee sites in the world. The manatee population is estimated at about 1000 individuals. West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) inhabit rivers, lagoons, estuaries and coastal areas of tropical and subtropical regions of the northwest Atlantic Ocean from the southeastern coasts of the U.S. to Brazil. Belize is also home to the largest world population of two subspecies, the Florida manatee (T. manatus latirostris) and the Antillean manatee (T. manatus manatus). These large, plant-eating marine mammals are listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and as vulnerable to extinction by the World Conservation Union. To help ensure manatee survival, scientific studies aimed at understanding their biology are needed.

The aim of this study is to provide information to the relevant government and non-government organizations in Belize that will assist with the development of manatee conservation and management actions. Our research is also being used to develop practices that will ensure that ecotourism based on manatee viewing does not negatively impact this species in places such as Southern Lagoon. Our work is endorsed by the Belize Ministry of Natural Resources, Local Government and Environment.