The Behavioural and Morphometric Features of West African Manatee: Trichechus senegalensis in a Semi-Wild Environment

Abstract

The behavioural and morphometric features of West Africa manatee; Trichechus senegalensis, in a semi-wild environment was study from July1 st 2008 to November 30 th 2008. Surface water was measured to determine the Physico-chemical parameters of the stream. Mean values of surface water temperature of 26.56 ± 1.08 o C; pH, 6.47 ± 0.25; Free carbon dioxide, 8.83 ± 1.44 mg/L; total alkalinity, 10.35 ± 1.85 mg/L; Dissolved Oxygen, 7.35 ± 1.42 mg/L and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 2.41 ± 0.47 mg/L were within stipulated ranged as safe for aquatic organism. Eleven Macrophytes belonging to eight families were fed to the manatee daily. The morphometric measurement showed total length 192 cm, standard length 152 cm, body weight 265 kg, fluke width 36 cm, flipper length 36 cm, head length 34 cm, girth at umbilicus 120 cm, girth at genital pore 82 cm, girth at anus 64 cm. The results indicate that the semi-wild environment provides favourable conditions for the survival of the manatee.