Behavioral patterns of a manatee in semi-captivity: implications for its adaptation to the wild

Acceso en línea sin restricciones

Rehabilitation of orphaned endangered Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) enhances in situ conservation. We investigated the behavior of a five year-old male manatee rescued in Quintana Roo (Mexico) in relation to its failed rehabilitation. This is a unique case of a semi-captive manatee in the Caribbean, and the first endeavor to release a rehabilitated orphan in Mexico. Through 134 hours of direct and ad libitum observations, we described the manatee's behavior and assessed his behavioral time budget. The frequency of states was determined by instantaneous sampling, while the frequency of events was defined by the number of events per time unit. We designed an ethogram of 105 behaviors (56 states and 49 events), distributed in six behavioral categories. Compared with previous catalogs designed for manatees, the subject displayed 43 new behaviors (24 states and 19 events). The manatee showed indications of a daily rhythm; the animal consistently performed displacement behaviors in daytime hours, while engaged in comfort behaviors mainly at night. The use of space depended on the behavioral category and the time of day. The manatee showed dietary preference for the food provided by the caretakers, and virtually no consumption of native aquatic plants. This inadequate feeding behavior, along with a strong attachment with people, made the individual completely dependent on human care. Therefore, despite being free to explore natural areas, the animal remained close to the facilities after release. Future recommendations on the management of rescued manatees are discussed. eng

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