Nature: Wildlife (AMATEUR) - HONORABLE MENTION
Song to the Siren
Photo © José Javier Delgado Esteban
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A series of images of the West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) in the wild taken in Crystal River, Florida, USA in December 2015 under permit.
Manatees comprise three of the four living species in the order Sirenia. The fourth is the Eastern Hemisphere's Dugong. The Sirenia are thought to have evolved from four-legged land mammals over 60 million years ago, with the closest living relatives being the elephants.
Unfortunately, as with many other species, the main causes of death for manatees are human-related issues, such as habitat destruction and human objects. Natural causes of death include adverse temperatures and disease.
Manatees were traditionally hunted by indigenous Caribbean people. When Christopher Columbus arrived in the region, hunting was already an established trade, although this is less common today. From manatee hides, Native Americans made war shields, canoes, and shoes, though manatees were predominantly hunted for their abundant meat.
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A series of images of the West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) in the wild taken in Crystal River, Florida, USA in December 2015 under permit.
Manatees comprise three of the four living species in the order Sirenia. The fourth is the Eastern Hemisphere's Dugong. The Sirenia are thought to have evolved from four-legged land mammals over 60 million years ago, with the closest living relatives being the elephants.
Unfortunately, as with many other species, the main causes of death for manatees are human-related issues, such as habitat destruction and human objects. Natural causes of death include adverse temperatures and disease.
Manatees were traditionally hunted by indigenous Caribbean people. When Christopher Columbus arrived in the region, hunting was already an established trade, although this is less common today. From manatee hides, Native Americans made war shields, canoes, and shoes, though manatees were predominantly hunted for their abundant meat.
BACK TO GALLERY
