Articles tagged with Sirenia
A new species of ancient sea cow has been discovered in Qatar, revealing that sea cows have shaped the Arabian Gulf's seagrass ecosystems for over 20 million years. The fossil site, Al Maszhabiya, yielded more than 170 different locations containing sea cow fossils.
Researchers suggest that manatees may have only become a permanent fixture in Florida after Europeans colonization began, contradicting the common assumption of their long history in the state. The study suggests that warming waters and human activities may have encouraged the manatees to stay and breed.
Historical records show manatee populations increased alongside human populations in the 1800s and 1900s. The study suggests that Florida manatees are more abundant today than any previous time in North American human history.
New study reveals that kelp forests off the Pacific Coast were thriving 32 million years ago, with fossilized holdfasts showing evidence of ancient marine mammals and invertebrates. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of kelp ecosystems and highlights the importance of fossil hunting by amateur collectors.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science have developed a new AI method to accurately count manatee aggregations in real-time. The method uses images captured from CCTV cameras and outperforms existing baselines, offering potential ways to aid endangered species.
A new study finds that boat strikes are increasing manatee strandings and injuries in Belize, with areas of high boat traffic and mangrove habitats showing higher risk. Conservation efforts should focus on reducing boat numbers and speed within protected zones to mitigate this threat.
A new study sheds light on the ancestry of manatees, tracing their evolution back 47 million years to northern Africa. The research suggests that modern manatees migrated from South America to the Caribbean and North America around 34 million years ago, with some species thriving in communities for millions of years.
Over 50 sightings of manatees have been reported between the Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks since 1977, leading to speculation about their possible entry into the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A population of 20-25 manatees was estimated in the Gatun Lake in 2015.
The genome of Steller's sea cow reveals genes that may have played a role in its adaptation to cold marine environments, similar to those found in humans with the skin disease ichthyosis. The study also found similarities between Steller's sea cows and cetaceans in certain genes involved in energy metabolism.
Three manatee species share a common ancestor after the Amazon Basin was formed, with genetic data showing adaptation to environments influenced their evolution. The research adds new information on the evolutionary history of aquatic mammals, shedding light on how geological events shaped their distribution.
A new paper explores the impact of bridge construction on manatee populations, highlighting entanglement risks and habitat destruction. DISL researchers offer best practices to reduce negative effects.
A new study found that manatees in Brazil and Guyana have low genetic diversity, with no natural hybridization between species. The researchers suggest creating protected areas and biological corridors to promote gene flow and improve conservation efforts.
Researchers found fossil evidence of ice age manatees in Texas, dating back to 11,000 to 240,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that manatees may have had a stable presence on the Texas coast during this time period.
Researchers have discovered 572 previously unknown rock art images in northwest Arnhem Land, dating back between 6,000 and 9,400 years. The images depict large, naturalistic humans and macropods with animals often shown more frequently than human figures.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of ancient banana cultivation in the Western Torres Strait, dating back over 2,000 years. The findings challenge the common view that Australia's first peoples were solely hunter-gatherers.
A new method for detecting manatee calls could help restore populations of the endangered Antillean manatee. By analyzing underwater recordings, scientists can estimate manatee numbers and understand their habitat use in turbid waters.
A new study analyzes 10 years of data on manatee movement patterns, revealing that they use nearshore channels more frequently and travel faster in all channel types. This research sheds light on the risks associated with vessel collisions and informs suggestions for optimal channel maintenance.
A 20-million-year-old tusked sea cow, Culebratherium alemani, has been discovered in Central America, shedding light on the region's ancient marine ecosystem. The fossilized skeleton, found near the Panama Canal, provides evidence of seagrass presence in the area during that time period.
A genome-wide scan reveals the shared loss of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene function across marine mammal lineages, leaving them vulnerable to neurotoxic chemicals. This loss may be related to PON1's role in fatty acid oxidation and poses a significant health risk for marine mammals living near agricultural runoff.
Researchers found that marine mammals lost the functional Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene, which protects land-dwelling mammals from pesticides. This loss may have allowed marine mammals to adapt to a marine environment, but also makes them vulnerable to organophosphate poisoning.
Scientists developed a first laboratory test to pick up traces of manatee's genetic material in waterways. The innovative environmental DNA test can reveal whether one or more of the elusive marine mammals has been in the area within the past month.
A new sonar-based method estimates Antillean Manatees in the San San Pond Sak wetland, finding a lower population than previously thought. The study suggests modifications to protect manatees from illegal fishing nets and human activities.
Research at Florida Atlantic University reveals that slower boat speeds do not reduce risks to manatees, but instead cause more harm. An innovative alerting device is proven to deliver a better solution, projecting low-intensity sounds that deter manatees from approaching boats.
A study by James Cook University scientists found that turtles are present throughout the bay, mostly staying in water less than five meters deep. Extending shallow go-slow zones could protect nearly half or more of turtle habitats if combined with a small buffer zone into deeper waters.
A recent study by Manja Voss challenged the validity of the extinct sea cow species Halitherium schinzii, citing a single tooth as insufficient evidence. The proposed rejection of this specific terminus aims to better handle the known diversity of the sirenian order.
Researchers found that African elephants can use human pointing cues to find hidden food, demonstrating an understanding of this complex gesture. This study reveals that the ability to understand pointing is not unique to humans but has evolved in a lineage of animals.
A new study found that nearly half of Florida manatees seek power plant outfalls for warmth, while about 17% choose warm springs. Hot springs offered the best protection against cold weather, suggesting protecting access to these refuges is crucial for long-term survival.
A long-term study conducted in Belize found that manatees can indicate the overall health of marine ecosystems. The researchers tracked over 200 manatees for nearly a decade, monitoring their behavior, life history, and health. The study provides insight into the baseline health of this species threatened by human activities.
Dr Mariana Fuentes' new book 'Dhyum the Dugong' takes readers on a journey through the life of a real dugong in the Torres Strait. The book aims to educate young Australians about the importance of protecting these endangered marine mammals.
Researchers found that manatees can hear within the frequency range where boats operate, with good hearing between 8-32kHz and even ultrasonic frequencies. However, their ability to focus on these sounds in nature is uncertain due to environmental factors.
Smithsonian researchers found fossil evidence of three to four species of seacows living together in different time periods, suggesting unique food sources and habitat structures. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of seacow habitats and raises questions about competition for resources.
A new global study found that humans have consumed at least 87 different marine mammal species since 1990, with many being caught accidentally as bycatch in fishing nets. The study highlights the urgent need for better monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these iconic species.
Research published in BioMed Central's EvoDevo journal reveals that sloths and manatees have evolved unusual neck structures without apparent problems. The study suggests that slow lifestyles and low metabolic rates allowed these animals to alter their neck length without side effects, unlike other mammals.
Scientists have discovered that low-latitude sites during the Eocene were much wetter than today, challenging previous estimates of water temperature and paleoclimate. This finding, based on isotopic composition of sirenian fossils, could transform our understanding of global climate change.
Researchers found similarities between wolf-elk interactions in Yellowstone National Park and shark-dugong interactions in Shark Bay, Australia. These interactions control prey populations and affect their behavior, with ripple impacts on the ecosystem.
The genetic study confirms Antillean manatees in Belize as a separate subspecies from Florida manatees. However, the Belizean population has extremely low genetic diversity, posing a long-term viability threat.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that manatees can probably hear which directions boats approach from. The animals were able to pinpoint sound sources, including both high- and low-pitched sounds, using a combination of time difference and intensity cues.
Early human fossils found in 500-million-year-old rocks show that ancient pioneers may have carried shells on their backs to breathe, providing insights into how they adapted to life on land. Researchers also discovered large perturbations of the carbon and sulfur cycle accompanying a mass extinction event in South China and linked vol...
A West Indian manatee has been sighted in various northeastern US waters, including the Hudson River and Cape Cod. Researchers used a manatee photo-identification database to rule out Chessie, a known manatee with distinctive markings, as the current traveler.
A recent study suggests a connection between red tide toxins and human respiratory problems, as well as manatee fatalities, highlighting the need for greater awareness of the impacts of brevetoxins on both humans and marine life.
Scientists are exploring the relationship between manatee tears and blood vessel formation to better understand the animals' immune system. The study found that manatees have a thick, mucusy tear film rich in antimicrobial components, which may help protect against pathogens.
The Florida manatee population is rising in some regions, with annual growth rates of 3.7% and 6.2% in the Northwest and Upper St. Johns River regions, respectively. However, the Atlantic region's estimated growth rate is 1.1%, suggesting a possible decline or stability, while the Southwest region shows a negative growth rate.
Florida manatees face a deadly threat when water cools to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to physiological events that weaken their immune systems. The discovery of cold stress syndrome's causes could improve treatment for affected manatees and inform plans to minimize power plant shutdowns' impact.
Researchers found that boaters' perception of social pressure is the most important factor in following speed limits to protect manatees. Media campaigns and clear signage are recommended to increase compliance with regulations.
Researchers are studying the manatee virus to develop an approach to fighting cervical cancer in humans. The manatee immune system is being studied to gain a better understanding of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
A young Amazonian manatee named Airuwe was successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild with the help of a conservation program led by Dr. Greg Bossart. The rehabilitation program, which involved a community-led effort, showed that with proper care and support, orphaned manatees can thrive in their natural habitats.
Dr. Greg Bossart, head of Marine Mammal Research and Conservation at HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, led a team to transport four critically endangered Antillean manatees from Mexico to their final destination near Cancun for medical evaluation.
A system of acoustic sensors, originally developed for underwater mine detection, has been fitted onto gates and locks at Port Canaveral to protect manatees. Since its installation in March 2023, the system has detected seven manatees and saved them from death.
The Manatee Protection System uses acoustic sensors to detect manatees in the Port Canaveral locks, preventing collisions and saving their lives. The system's advanced technology, developed by ONR-supported scientists, has already saved five manatees during installation and early testing.