The Florida Manatee is a large subspecies of the West Indian manatee that is almost entirely restricted to the warm coastal waters of Florida. It must drink fresh water regularly and is known to cluster around freshwater discharge points from springs and power plants in winter. Population threats include boat strikes, red tide events, and the loss of warm-water refugia.
Habitat
Warm coastal bays, rivers, and spring runs of Florida
Diet
Seagrasses, aquatic vegetation, and algae
How common
Rare
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