Manatees & Dugongs

These large herbivorous marine mammals, whose closest relative is the elephant, have calm, inquisitive natures that have endeared them to many. Curious legends are associated with manatees and dugongs wherever they are found, and they are central to many cultural traditions around the world. These remarkable animals are at risk throughout most of their range, from hunting, collisions with water craft, entanglement in fishing gear, habitat alteration and disease. This up-to-date study examines their origins, life cycles and present distribution, and discusses the problems facing conservationists in their efforts to protect these gentle giants.