"An excellent introduction to the natural history of the four living species of sirenian, including the Florida and Antillean sub-species of the West Indian manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the dugong, as well as the extinct Stellar's Sea Cow."--Jacket

This book fully documents the natural history of Sirenia, the order of aquatic mammals including manatees of the Caribbean, West Africa, and the Amazon, as well as the Indo-Pacific dugong.

"An excellent introduction to the natural history of the four living species of sirenian, including the Florida and Antillean sub-species of the West Indian manatee, the Amazonian manatee, and the dugong, as well as the extinct Stellar's Sea Cow."--Jacket.

A synthesis of the ecological and related knowledge pertinent to understanding the biology and conservation of dugongs and manatees.

This important scientific volume comprehensively explores the biology and ecological status of manatees and dugongs in all of the geographic regions where they can be found today, from the Caribbean to Eastern Africa, from Arabia to the Amazon, and from Japan through the South Pacific to Australia. Many of these dwindling populations are situated in developing countries--locales that have previously received little attention in the scientific literature. In these areas, people occupying rivers or coastlines still capture sirenians for food and other uses (oil, bones for carving, leather). In addition, disruption, erosion, or complete loss of sirenian habitat occurs because of dredge and fill, coastal run-off, chemical pollution, and damage from boat propellers. Sirenian Conservation features contributions from an international group of scientists who are working to address the many challenges to manatee and dugong food supply, environment, reproduction, and survival. They share stories of programs that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and monitor these animals; offer reports on practical, replicable, and cost-effective management techniques; and summarize current research strategies.

Introduces readers to tghe life cycle, behaviors, and the natural habitats of manatees living off Florida's southern coast and describes the conservations efforts performed to protect tyhe species.

Seagrasses are a vital and widespread but often overlooked coastal marine habitat. This volume provides a global survey of their distribution and conservation status.