by Sophie Playle

Created on: January 08, 2009

Manatees are large aquatic mammals on the edge of extinction. They are gentle herbivores and spend most of their time grazing in shallow water; they are usually found in Florida, the Amazon of Brazil, and Africa. Because they are not a threat to humans, and because of their necessity to live in shallow water, mankind has become a great threat to the manatee. In Florida, 30-40% of all manatee death is caused by humans.

Manatees are at risk of being hit by boats and shredded by propeller blades. Sometimes they survive these accidents, but are often left mutilated and in great pain. These accidents not only directly reduce the populace of the manatee, but if pregnant or nursing females are killed or injured, often the young will die too. Manatees are also at threat from water control structures, such as piping or floodgates, in which the manatees get crushed. They are also susceptible to swallowing dangerous fishing equipment such as hooks and lines, which mutilate their internal organs.

It is evident that something needs to be done to save these docile creatures from the horror of mankind. There are various steps that you and I can take to help save the manatee.

Adopt a Manatee At www.savethemanatee.org you can adopt a manatee for as little as $25/17. You can even purchase this as a gift for someone. You will receive a photograph of the particular manatee you are sponsoring, as well as updates about it, and a free gift. The money goes towards funding research, rehabilitation, manatee rescue, public awareness campaigns and protection of habitat.

Warn Others If you are lucky enough to spot a manatee in the wild, you can warn other boaters to be careful around that area by sending off for a warning banner (Please Slow: Manatees Below') from the above site.

Alternative Transport If you want to go out on the water in a known manatee environment, then consider your transport. Better to use a sailing boat at slow speed, than a propeller-driver power boat at high speed. Better still to go by kayak: manatees are naturally curious creatures (unfortunately for them) and may come up to you to say hello.

Partake in Manatee Tours The money raised will go towards manatee conservation, and you will get a first-hand insight into the lives of the manatee and the problems they face.

Clean Up If you are a boater, a tourist, or just enjoy a stroll along the beach, if you see any dangerous looking fishing hooks or lines lying around, pick them up and bin them safely. They could get washed into the sea and swallowed by the manatees.

Visit Zoos Often injured manatees are taken care of by zoos and other rescue centres until they are well enough to be let back into the wild. Usually you will be able to donate to this cause while also enjoying proximity to the beautiful creatures. Even if your particular zoo is not partaking in such schemes, it can't hurt to increase your awareness and education on these animals.

Donate to Manatee Charities This is so easy to do, and every penny counts. The plus side to donating to charity is you can determine how much you would like to give, and when you would like to give it. There is no pressure and any donation receive, great or small, is hugely appreciated. Again, visit www.savethemanatee.org to donate.

The manatee is a harmless and wonderful creature, who is yet another victim of the careless lifestyle of mankind. A little consideration goes a long way in helping to preserve this unique species. One person can make a difference to the lives of hundreds of innocent manatees, and it takes as little effort as a few clicks on a computer.

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