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Alsina-Guerrero, Mayela
(detail)
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2011 |
Blood Values from Wild and Rehabilitating Antillean Manatees (Trichechus Manatus Manatus) from Puerto Rico
Western Illinois University 1-75. 13 tables. 13 figures. 2011.
–ABSTRACT: Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) are endangered aquatic mammals found in fragmented populations from eastern Mexico through Central America to northern and eastern South America, and the Greater Antilles. All manatees are subject to a variety of anthropogenic threats and are considered a vulnerable species throughout the world. Blood values are an important tool in evaluating the health of free-ranging and rescued manatees part of ongoing conservation efforts. The purpose of this study was to establish preliminary normal ranges of serum chemistry and hematology parameters in healthy Antillean manatees from Puerto Rico. In addition, the research goal was to determine significant variations by age class and sex between free-ranging manatees and those undergoing rehabilitation. Values were obtained from 41 free-ranging, apparently healthy, manatees between 1992 and 2005 during captures for health assessment and from 7 rescued manatees in rehabilitation at the Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center. Values included a complete blood count (RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelets, WBC count, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophlils, basophils, and heterophils) and a blood chemistry panel (Liver associated enzymes [ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin], kidney, musclue and pancratic associates enzyme and products [CPK, LDH, BUN, creatinine, and BUN and creatinine ratio, uric acid, amylase], glucose and lipids [glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol], proteins [total protein, albumin, albumin and globulin ratio], and electrolytes [sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, CO sub(2), anion gap]. No significant differences in CPK, LDH, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, and amylase were found among calf, subadult, or adult age classes. Compared to free-ranging adult manatees, wild calves had significantly lower mean concentrations of chloride, sodium, potassium, anion gap, glucose, total protein, albumin, and ALT. Captive calves had significantly higher mean values of CO sub(2), phosphorus, cholesterol, and ALP than free-ranging manatees. Differences in the environments of these two groups, including diet, air and water temperature, water salinity, and stress, might account for some of these results. The lower CO sub(2) and higher anion gap concentrations in adult free-ranging manatees were probably due to greater exertion during capture. AST and ALP were higher in adult free-ranging females than in adult males. Hematological values presented herein will be useful for documenting the typical blood value ranges exhibited by the Puerto Rican population of Antillean manatees and provide a reference for evaluating the health of wild and rescued manatees.
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Mignucci-Giannoni, Antonio A,; Iglesias-Escabi, Chabeli; Rosario-Delestre, Raúl J.; Alsina-Guerrero, Mayela
(detail)
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2018 |
Variación en la distribución del manatí antillano (Trichechus manatus manatus) en la costa sur de Puerto Rico a través de censos aéreos en helicóptero. [Variation in the distribution of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) on the southern coast of Puerto Rico through helicopter aerial surveys.]
Revista Ciencias Marinas y Costeras 10(1): 97-121. 4 tabs. 7 figs. DOI: 10.15359/revmar.10-1.6
–RESUMO: El manatí antillano (Trichechus manatus manatus) está en peligro de extinción debido a actividades antrópicas, las cuales afectan tanto su salud como el uso de hábitats requeridos para su supervivencia. El presente estudio detalla la distribución espacial y uso de hábitat del manatí en la costa sur de Puerto Rico al hacer censos aéreos en helicóptero y relacionarlos con aspectos zoogeográficos, ambientales y oceanográficas. Se realizaron 33 censos aéreos en helicóptero, paralelos a la costa sur, desde el año 2001 al año 2015. Hubo un total de 488 avistamientos y 914 individuos, lo cual representa 13 manatíes por hora de esfuerzo y 12.4% de crías. No se encontró que factores de temporada, temperatura superficial del mar o las corrientes afecten su presencia. El uso de recursos de agua dulce y praderas de yerbas no presentó estadísticamente una relación, pero si es claro que son parte de su naturaleza y necesarios para su sobrevivencia. Sin embargo, la profundidad y el grado de protección que ofrecen las bahías si es determinante para predecir la presencia de manatíes. Un marcado incremento en el número de manatíes por hora de esfuerzo entre el año 2007 y año 2015 representa un posible aumento poblacional. Dado que la supervivencia de los manatíes en Puerto Rico está amenazada por diferentes factores naturales y antrópicos, este estudio, junto a los de telemetría y uso de hábitat, deben ayudar a designar en el futuro áreas protegidas críticas para su supervivencia.
ABSTRACT: The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is endangered due to anthropogenic activities, which affect both the manatee's health and use of habitats required for their survival. The spatial distribution and use of the manatee habitat on the southern coast of Puerto Rico was obtained using helicopter aerial surveys and was related to zoogeographic, environmental and oceanographic factors. A total of 33 surveys were conducted along the southern coast from 2001 to 2015. There was a total of 488 sightings and 914 individuals, which represents 13 manatees per hour of effort, 12.4% being calves. No correlation was found between their presence and seasons, sea surface temperature, or currents. The use of freshwater and seagrass bed resources did not present a statistical relationship, but it is clear that they are part of their nature and necessary for their survival. However, the depth and degree of protection offered by the bays is decisive to predict the presence of manatees. A marked increase in the number of manatees per hour of effort between 2007 and 2015 represents a possible population growth. Given that the survival of manatees in Puerto Rico is threatened by different natural and anthropogenic factors, this study, together with studies on telemetry and habitat use, should help designate future protected areas critical for their survival.
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Bibliography and Index of the Sirenia and Desmostylia 