environment

Sea cows studied

LA PRENSA

too late:Scientists are studying manatees so that others can avoid the fate of this unfortunate creature.996404

Several national and international environmental groups have joined efforts in the province of Bocas del Toro to study the ecology and behavior of manatees. Their goal is to learn enough about the aquatic mammal, known also as a sea cow, to develop a plan for their protection and conversation.

It is estimated that more than 3 million manatees of some 100 different species live in Panamanian waters, the largest population of the endangered creature in all of Central America.

Kerson Ruiz, a marine biologist and president of one of the organizations involved in the study, said that scientists are "trying to understand the relationship between the species and its habit and how the animal interacts with the ecosystem."

According to Ruiz, the manatee is losing vital habitat, and he mentioned the degradation of the Manatí River and Boca de Buaribiara areas in particular. As for the Changuinola area, he pointed out that human activity has caused the destruction of wetlands and deterioration of the ecosystem.

Manatees weigh more than 1000 pounds and can grow to more than 14 feet long.

They live in brackish water found near places where rivers flow into oceans. They thrive in areas where there are mangroves, and coastal development often threatens their habitat.