In-Dangered
For many centuries sailors across the globe have noted in their logs creatures that swam through the seas in the guise of a half human half fish visual. They called this creature the mermaid, but as years went by and science began to take over, the real mermaid was brought out into the view of mankind. This creature, known for its beauty, is actually called the Manatee. This is indeed a mammal, but it does not have the upper body of a human.
Originating in the shallow, slow moving rivers and saltwater bays of the ocean it is not surprising that these large creatures, with bodies that taper to a flat smooth tail fin, where seen often by sailors. In west Africa and the Amazons they can grow to be around 9 feet long, and though large, they are gentle and slow moving creatures. Having no natural enemies these creatures can live up to 60 years old, if they are not in conflict with their only destroyer. Human kind and their greed for land, both above and under water, have driven the Manatee to near extinction. Mix this with a birth rate of 1 or 2 pups per pair every five years, and the numbers start to fall drastically.
In America the West Indian Manatee are under protection of the Federal Law and have been since 1972 under the Marine Mammal Protection act, as well as the Endangered species Act of 1973. This makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture or kill any marine mammal. Florida has one of the most well known conservation services in the world for the Manatee. Having no fewer than 4 acts and plans that keep the Manatees alive and free today Florida should be commended.
The scientific name for the Manatee is Trichechus Manatus, but most people now call them Sea Cows. These aquatic creatures are beautiful with there smooth grey-brown skin and paddle like tail. Unfortunately, though Florida shows the world that we are trying, there are only 2500 manatees left in the wild today. Unfortunately the numbers are still falling, so here is a suggestion. Act Now to help save the Manatee. Learn all you can about the mythical mermaid of today and find out for yourself, after all, all stories come from the truth.
C. Latimer