Manatee Mortality in Puerto Rico |
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Authors: | Antonio A Mignucci-Giannoni Ruby A Montoya-Ospina Nilda M Jiménez-Marrero Marta A Rodríguez-López Ernest H Williams Jr Robert K Bonde |
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Institution: | Red Caribe?a de Varamientos (Caribbean Stranding Network) and Departamento de Ciencias y Tecnología, Universidad Metropolitana, SUAGM, PO Box 361715, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-1715 |
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Abstract: | Trichechus manatus ) in Puerto Rico is mortality due to human activities. We assessed 90 cases of manatee strandings in Puerto Rico based on
historical data and a coordinated carcass salvage effort from 1990 through 1995. We determined patterns of mortality, including
type of event, condition of carcasses, spatial and temporal distribution, gender, size/age class, and the cause of death.
The spatial distribution of stranding events was not uniform, with the north, northeast, and south coasts having the highest
numbers. Six clusters representing the highest incidence included the areas of Fajardo and Ceiba, Bahía de Jobos, Toa Baja,
Guayanilla, Cabo Rojo, and Rio Grande to Luquillo. The number of reported cases has increased at an average rate of 9.6%/yr
since 1990. The seasonality of stranding events showed a bimodal pattern, from February through April and in August and September.
Most identified causes of death were due to human interaction, especially captures and watercraft collisions. Natural causes
usually involved dependent calves. From 1990 through 1995, most deaths were attributed to watercraft collisions. A reduction
in anthropogenic mortality of this endangered species can be accomplished only through education and a proactive management
and conservation plan that includes law enforcement, mortality assessment, scientific research, rescue and rehabilitation,
and inter- and intraagency cooperation. |
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Keywords: | : Caribbean Puerto Rico Trichechus manatus Mortality Endangered species conservation and management |
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