Manatee Quizes & Facts

Manatee Quizes

Fun Facts

1. Florida manatees are also known as sea cows and are actually the largest herbivorous marine mammals on earth.
2. Manatees can weigh over 1,000 pounds and grow up to 13 feet long.
3. Manatees can live up to 60 years in the wild.
4. These gentle giants are known to be slow swimmers, with an average speed of 3-5 mph, but they can swim up to 20 mph in short bursts.
5. Manatees are herbivores and can consume up to 10-15% of their body weight daily in vegetation.
6. These marine mammals are excellent divers, being able to hold their breath for up to 20 minutes.
7. Manatees are social creatures and can often be found in groups, known as aggregations.
8. Although manatees have no natural predators, they can still be threatened by humans, particularly through collisions with boats.
9. In 1975, the manatee was listed as an endangered species, but their population has since increased due to conservation efforts.
10. Manatees are unique to the southeastern United States and can be found in the warm waters of Florida's rivers, bays, and estuaries.
11. There are two types of manatees in Florida:
    1. West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
    2. Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)