Manatee Population

April Tipton, Julie Golokow

For most of history man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that in order to survive, he must protect it.
-Jacques Cousteau

For over 30 years the manatee has been threatened or endangered. This means that it is nearing extinction- there will be no more Manatees!

Everyday we make decisions that affect our environment. Can you think of some decisions you make that affect our environment? Are they good decisions or bad?


July 20, 1979
the West African Manatee was designated as Threatened

March 11, 1967
the West Indian Manatee was designated as Endangered

June 2, 1970
the Amazonian Manatee was designated as Endangered

Below are a list of definitions developed by the National Wildlife Federation:

Vulnerable Species:
A species particularly at risk because of low or declining numbers or small range, but not a threatened species.

Threatened Species:
A species whose population is not yet low enough to be in immediate danger of extinction, but who certainly faces serious problems. If the problem affecting these species aren't resolved, it is probable that the species will become endangered. The eastern indigo snake and the red kangaroo are examples of threatened species.

Endangered Species:
A species, plant or animal, that is in immediate danger of becoming extinct. Its numbers are usually low, and it needs protection in order to survive. The Siberian tiger, and thousands of other plants and animals are endangered worldwide.

Extinct Species:
An extinct species is one that is no longer living. The passenger pigeon, the dodo, and the Stegosaurus are examples of living species. These animals no longer exist on the earth.

To Learn More about this Giant Endangered Species visit one of these sites
Save The Manatee.org
Kids Planet
Manatee World