Feeding, habitat, distribution, reproduction, anatomy and more. The red mangrove trees are the home of the pygmy three toed sloth and they are being cut down which is putting pressure on the sloth population. They are one of three species still existing in the genus Trichechus, the only genus in the family Trichechidae. Facts about Amazonian Manatee, African Manatee and West Indian Manatee. The Amazonian manatee is the smallest member of the manatee family and can be distinguished by its smoother rubbery skin and lack of vestigial nails on its flippers. The Pygmy Sloth is becoming an endangered species. DALLAS (November 3, 2017) – Nearly 3,000 miles from Texas, in the remote Amazon rainforest of Peru, a team of veterinarians, biologists and conservationists from The Dallas World Aquarium’s manatee rescue project has successfully released five rehabilitated Amazonian manatees back into their natural environment near Iquitos, Peru. These manatees are listed as vulnerable on the endangered species list, which means they face the risk of becoming endangered or extinct, and so it is illegal to hunt them. Since they cannot stand temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius, the manatees migrate often to avoid cold waters. Manatees are grayish brown in color and have thick, wrinkled skin on which there is often a growth of algae. In Florida the animal is listed as endangered species and it is protected not only under the state law but also by the federal law. A sign posted to warn boats to look out for manatees, as they often swim near the surface and may come into contact with boats. MANATEES TODAY: current situation and conflicts All three species of manatee (West Indian, West African, Amazonian) are endangered. Communication Manatees communicate using a wide range of sounds (including squeaks, grunts and chirps) as well as by touch. The Amazonian manatee species inhabit the Amazon River and the African manatee swims along the west coast and rivers of Africa. The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis), an endangered species, is the smallest species of manatee. Florida manatees migrate to warmer waters during winter, while Amazonian manatee migrations are prompted by rising and falling water levels linked to the rainy and dry seasons. Manatees are able to eat about ten percent of their own bodyweight of food every day. Since its inception, IPE researchers have promoted the conservation of the species in the lower Rio Negro through studies with wild animals, reintroduction projects and environmental education. Photos of African Manatees are very rare. Aquatic animals also include river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis); the semiaquatic capybara, the largest rodent in the world (weighing up to 170… Since the gestation period is approximately 13 months it is obvious those are months when these animals feel the need to mate. 4. Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis) spend the high-water season feeding in flooded forests, but migrate to deeper permanent water bodies to see out the dry season. Amazonian manatees prefer warm and fresh water. Manatees can weigh over 1000 lbs and males are usually larger than females. Manatees are found from the mouth of the Amazon River to the upper reaches of the tributaries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru. Antillean manatees have a patchy distribution throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and northeastern South America. The southern range extends through Central and South America to Brazil. Why is the Amazon rainforest becoming endangered? 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