What is manaties?

Manatees are large, fully aquatic marine mammals that belong to the order Sirenia. They are also known as sea cows due to their slow-moving and gentle nature. There are three species of manatees: the West Indian manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the African manatee.

Manatees can be found in coastal waters, rivers, and estuaries in warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and the Amazon Basin. They are herbivores, feeding on a diet of aquatic plants, seaweed, and algae.

Manatees are known for their friendly and passive behavior, often interacting with humans in encounters known as "manatee sitings." They are considered endangered or vulnerable species due to habitat loss, boat strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these gentle creatures and ensure their survival in the wild.