Scientific name: Trichechus manatus
Origin: North America and South America
Length: 3-4.6m long
Diet: Herbivore
IUCN status: Vulnerable
Zoos I have seen them: Parc Zoologique de Paris
Threats: Pollution, collisions with powerboats, hunting, habitat degradation
Interesting fact: Although they resemble walruses, and in the past were mistaken for sirens, the dugong (Dugong dugon) and 3 species of manatee are actually closer relatives of the elephants. The dugong’s tail has flukes like those of whales and dolphins, whereas manatee tails are more rounded.
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