In Florida, manatee deaths are ominously rising. Between January and February of this year alone, 358 manatees died. And the main cause is due to the lack of algae that this species feeds on.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
In Florida, manatee deaths are ominously rising. The deaths related to this marine species are in fact more than double compared to those that occurred in the same period in both 2020 and 2019. Between January and February of this year alone, 358 manatees died and these numbers are alarming marine biologists and conservationists. The main cause of the death seems to be linked to the lack of algae on which the species feeds. But this, unfortunately, is not the only threat facing these extraordinary marine mammals.
According to numbers provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission records, 2020 manatees died in 637. Specifically, 143 deaths were recorded between January and February last year. This year, however, the number of deaths has more than doubled.
"It's something we've never seen before"- said Pat Rose, director of Save the Manatee Club, a non-profit organization committed to the protection of this marine species - "It seems that a considerable number of manatees are starving."
The causes of manatee deaths in Florida
To have played a crucial role in the high mortality of manatees is above all the lack of algae, which this marine species feeds on. As Pat Rose explains, it all begins with the quality of the ocean water which has deteriorated in recent years, causing the loss of algae essential for the survival of manatees. The deaths of these marine mammals, therefore, are indirectly caused by climate change and water pollution, which in many cases leads to the proliferation of toxic algae.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, some specimens have died from stress caused by abnormal cold waves and from boat traffic.. In fact, every year in Florida boats and jet skis that whiz by at great speed kill manatees.
As often happens, man invades their habitat without considering the irreparable damage caused by its superficiality. And the consequences are now there for all to see.
Fonte: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/The News-Press
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