Ecology and behavior of the Manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Florida

Abstract

THIS Study was conducted primarily in Citrus County on the central west coast of Florida. Research was focused on the headwaters of the Crystal and Homosassa rivers where clear springs of constant temperature afforded ideal conditions for above- and underwater observations of periodic cold-induced con- gregations of manatees during the winter months. The study was conducted from 1 October 1967 to 31 March 1969. Following completion of the study, I returned twice to Florida to engage in further manatee research. In the winter of 1970-71, I spent a month at Crystal River and a month at Blue Springs Park on the St. Johns River, Volusia County. From November 1972 to January 1974, I conducted a study of the manatee's distribution and status in the United States, operating from headquarters at Crystal River. Many new discoveries relating to the ecology and behavior of manatees were made during these subsequent visits to Florida. These discoveries, most of which were made outside Citrus County, have been incorporated in the present paper. iUBITATS