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Mercadillo-Elguero, Maria Isabel; Castelblanco-Martínez, Delma Nataly; Padilla-Saldívar, Janneth Adriana
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2008 |
Behavioral patterns of a manatee in semi-captivity: implications for its adaptation to the wild.
Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology 7(2): 31-41. 2 tabs. 6 figs. https://www.academia.edu/15454572/Behavioralpatternsofamanateeinsemicaptivityimplicationsforitsadaptationtothewild?emailworkcard=view-paper
–ABSTRACT: Rehabilitation of orphaned endangered Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) enhances in situ conservation. We investigated the behavior of a five year-old male manatee rescued in Quintana Roo (Mexico) in relation to its failed rehabilitation. This is a unique case of a semi-captive manatee in the Caribbean, and the first endeavor to release a rehabilitated orphan in Mexico. Through 134 hours of direct and ad libitum observations, we described the manatee's behavior and assessed his behavioral time budget. The frequency of states was determined by instantaneous sampling, while the frequency of events was defined by the number of events per time unit. We designed an ethogram of 105 behaviors (56 states and 49 events), distributed in six behavioral categories. Compared with previous catalogs designed for manatees, the subject displayed 43 new behaviors (24 states and 19 events). The manatee showed indications of a daily rhythm; the animal consistently performed displacement behaviors in daytime hours, while engaged in comfort behaviors mainly at night. The use of space depended on the behavioral category and the time of day. The manatee showed dietary preference for the food provided by the caretakers, and virtually no consumption of native aquatic plants. This inadequate feeding behavior, along with a strong attachment with people, made the individual completely dependent on human care. Therefore, despite being free to explore natural areas, the animal remained close to the facilities after release. Future recommendations on the management of rescued manatees are discussed.
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Suárez-Morales, Eduardo; Morales-Vela, Benjamín; Padilla-Saldívar, Janneth A.; Silva-Briano, Marcelo
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2010 |
The copepod Balaenophilus manatorum (Ortíz, Lalana and Torres, 1992) (Harpacticoida), an epibiont of the Caribbean manatee.
Journal of Natural History 44(13-14): 847-859. 1 tab. 6 figs. DOI:10.1080/00222931003615711. April 2010.
–ABSTRACT: The harpacticoid copepod Balaenophilus manatorum (Ortíz, Lalana and Torres, 1992) was originally described based on a few specimens collected from a single manatee in Cuba. Since its description it has been recorded exclusively as a symbiont of sea turtles worldwide; there were no further records of this species from the manatee and this association remained unconfirmed. During a long-term survey on the biology and ecology of the manatee Trichechus manatus manatus L. in Mexican waters of the western Caribbean, epibionts were collected from 54 individuals, including males, females and juveniles. Many specimens of B. manatorum were recorded from several manatees and analysed morphologically; a comparison is made with specimens from turtles of the Mexican Pacific. Manatees captured in two different bay systems were examined, but only those from Chetumal Bay were positive for copepods. Infestation comprised 14 manatees (26%), eight females and six males; incidence was higher than that previously found for other crustacean epibionts. Copepods were found as soft yellowish masses arranged along skin folds and wrinkles of the muzzle, the base of the fins, and the nipple area; there was no evidence of skin damage caused by the copepod. The presence of B. manatorum on manatees is confirmed and the first data are provided on the prevalence of this epibiont in one of the main populations of this mammal in the western Caribbean.
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Castelblanco-Martínez, Delma Nataly; Morales-Vela, Benjamín; Padilla-Saldivar, Janneth A.
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2012 |
Using craniometrical predictors to infer body size of Antillean manatees.
Mammalia 78(1): 109-115. DOI:10.1515/mammalia-2012-0136
–ABSTRACT: Body size determines many physiological and ecological variables; however, there are few studies on this parameter for the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). We studied an osteological collection and databases of Antillean manatees in Mexico to infer body measurements and to determine the body mass (BM)/body length (BL) relationship. The studied sample included 165 specimens: skulls (n=60), necropsies (n=51), and individuals captured for health assessment purposes (n=54). Specific regression equations for estimating BM were derived using the following craniometrical parameters: condylobasal length (BSL), occipital condyle width (OCW), and foramen magnum width (FMW). OCW and FMW were not significantly correlated with BL. The equation of the fitted model was BL=-121.644+10.8861×BSL (p<0.05, r2=0.93, SE=14.72). The allometric equation of weight/length relationship was defined as BM=exp (2.7477+0.0110957×BL) (p<0.05, r2=0.99, SE=0.07). The model showed a significant relationship between BL and BSL (>95%). Regression equations proved to be useful in estimating BL when only highly decomposed carcasses or skull dry bones are available, and in estimating weight when it is impossible to do it directly. Studies on biology history and age determination in T. m. manatus are required in order to establish an adequate age classification.
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Castelblanco-Martínez, Delma Nataly; Nourisson, Coralie; Quintana-Rizzo, Ester; Padilla-Saldivar, Janneth A.; Schmitter-Soto, Juan Jacobo
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2012 |
Potential effects of human pressure and habitat fragmentation on population viability of the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus: a predictive model.
Endang. Species Res. 18: 129-145.
–ABSTRACT: We present a population viability analysis for the metapopulation of the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus with the aim of predicting its tendencies under various hypothetical scenarios of conservation. Multiple individual Monte Carlo simulations of deterministic and stochastic factors were run on VORTEX 9.73 software. Populations were defined using genetic structure, geographic barriers, and typical ranging behavior. Demographic characteristics and life history parameters were inferred from the most recent compilation of information on the subspecies or were extrapolated from the Florida manatee T. m. latirostris. The baseline model describes a metapopulation with a positive growth. This model was sensitive to changes in mortality, but did not show any significant response to variations in assumed carrying capacity, age at first reproduction, maximum reproductive age, or initial population size. We simulated different scenarios by modifying human pressure, habitat fragmentation, and catastrophic events (i.e. hurricanes). Additional combined models were developed to simulate the best- and worst-case scenarios for human pressure level and fragmentation. The model suggested that the metapopulation would not be able to withstand an annual anthropogenically induced mortality rate >5%. A decrease in the survival of transient individuals could also lead to a decline of the population. Variations of the hurricane parameters did not yield important changes in the population curves, but other effects of climatic change are discussed. The extensive geographical area used by manatees requires international collaboration to ensure the protection of the metapopulation through effective conservation strategies across countries.
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Castelblanco-Martínez, Delma Nataly; Padilla-Sáldivar, Janneth A.; Hernández-Arana, Héctor Abuid; Slone, D. H.; Reid, James P.; Morales-Vela, Benjamín
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2012 |
Movement patterns of Antillean manatees in Chetumal Bay (Mexico) and coastal Belize: A challenge for regional conservation.
Mar. Mamm. Sci. 29(2): E166-E182. 3 tabs. 5 figs. DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00602.x Apr. 2013 (publ. online Sept. 17, 2012).
–ABSTRACT: Information from 15 satellite-tracked Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) was analyzed in order to assess individual movements, home ranges, and high-use areas for conservation decisions. Manatees were captured in Chetumal Bay, Mexico, and tagged with Argos-monitored satellite transmitters. Location of the manatees and physical characteristics were assessed to describe habitat properties. Most manatees traveled to freshwater sources. The Maximum Area Size (MAS) for each manatee was determined using the observation-area method. Additional kernel densities of 95% home range and 50% Center of Activity (COA) were also calculated, with manatees having 1–3 COAs. Manatees exhibited two different movement patterns: remaining in Chetumal Bay, and long-distance (up to 240 km in 89 d). The residence time in Chetumal Bay was higher for females (89.6% of time) than for males (72.0%), but the daily travel rate (0.4–0.5 km/d) was similar for both sexes. Most of the COAs fell within Natural Protected Areas (NPA). However, manatees also travel for long distances into unprotected areas, where they face uncontrolled boat traffic, fishing activities, and habitat loss. Conservation of movement corridors may promote long-distance movements and facilitate genetic exchange.
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Flores-Cascante, Lavinia; Morales-Vela, Benjamín; Castelblanco-Martínez, Delma Nataly; Padilla-Saldívar, Janneth; Auil, Nicole
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2013 |
Diet items of manatee Trichechus manatus manatus in three priority sites for the species in Mexico and Belize.
Revista Ciencias Marinas y Costeras 5: 25-36. 3 tabs. 2 figs. Dec. 2013.
–ABSTRACT: Manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) are herbivorous mammals with opportunistic habits that feed on approximately 60 species of plants. The focus of this paper was to identify diet elements of the manatee by fecal analysis in two sites in Mexico (Jonuta, Tabasco and Bahía de la Ascensión, Quintana Roo) and one site in Belize (Southern Lagoon). Samples were obtained from wild manatees and captive manatees temporarily captured for health assessment and sampling during 2004-2006. A total of 24 samples were analyzed. Diet components were assessed by microhistological analysis of feces. Items were separated and compared with bibliography and histological collections. Samples were also analyzed to detect invertebrates. Vegetal species found included Thalassia testudinum, Rhizophora mangle, Halodule wrightii, Ruppia sp. and Panicum sp., the latter confirmed for the first time for Mexico. No evidence of invertebrates was found in the samples. Relative importance of vegetal species consumed by manatees coincides with the findings reported for other areas in the Americas. Further systematic sampling efforts are needed in areaswhere manatee diet items are unknown.
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Niño-Torres, Carlos Alberto; Garcia-Rivas, Maria del Carmen; Castelblanco-Martínez, Delma Nataly; Padilla-Saldivar, Janneth Adriana; Blanco-Parra, Maria del Pilar; de la Parra-Venegas, Rafael
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2015 |
Aquatic mammals from the Mexican Caribbean; a review.
Hidrobiologica 25(1):127-138. April 2015.
–ABSTRACT: We present a review of the aquatic mammal species occurring in the Mexican Caribbean. Several published sources were reviewed to find information about aquatic mammals reported for the Mexican Caribbean. Additionally, we consulted 29 national and international collections and museums. Based on documents, collections, direct records and local news, we analyzed 18 confirmed species of aquatic mammals for the study area [Tursiops truncatus, Stenella clymene, S. frontalis, S. longirostris, Steno bredanensis, Grampus griseus, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Peponocephala electra; Pseudorca crassidens, Orcinus orca, Physeter macrocephalus, Kogia breviceps, K. sima, Ziphius cavirostris, Mesoplodon europaeus, Trichechus manatus manatus, Lontra longicaudis annectens and Monachus tropicalis (extinct)]. In order to gather solid baseline information that enhances efficient long-term management, regular and systematic population censuses of the aquatic mammal community are recommended. We recommend the use of the "Mexican Caribbean" area as a separate unit of management and conservation, differently as has been included in the macro region "Gulf of Mexico/Mexican Caribbean".
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Bibliography and Index of the Sirenia and Desmostylia 