African Manateeアフリカマナティー

Trichechus senegalensisVU— Vulnerable

The African manatee is the only sirenian native to the Old World, ranging along the West African coast and adjoining rivers and lakes from Senegal to Angola. It grazes mainly on aquatic plants and mangroves but, unusually among manatees, also eats mollusks and fish in some coastal areas. Threatened by poaching, dam construction, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets, it is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

African Manatee (reference photo)
Photo: Gameraquai / CC0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Sirenia / Trichechidae Source
Distribution
The African manatee ranges along the West African coast from Senegal to Angola, moving freely between coastal waters, rivers, estuaries, lagoons, and inland lakes across more than 19 countries. Source

Did You Know?

  • The African manatee is the only manatee species found in the Old World, and one of just two living sirenians there, alongside the dugong. Source
  • Some researchers believe the West African water-spirit legend of 'Mami Wata' originated from sightings of manatees, particularly females surfacing to breathe. Source
  • Sharks and crocodiles are considered natural predators, leaving African manatees exposed to threats even in the water. Source

Where to See This Species

1 facilities · 0 individuals

Toba AquariumMieOpened in 1955

鳥羽水族館のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNではVU（危急）です。分布域の開発、狩猟、漁具による影響が課題です。

Habitat

西アフリカの沿岸、河口、河川、湖、湿地。

Threats

  • 狩猟
  • 漁具への絡まり
  • 河川と湿地の開発・汚染

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

  • 生息地と湿地の保全
  • 地域での保護啓発
  • 個体群と分布の調査

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Where do African manatees live?
They live along the West African coast from Senegal to Angola, moving between the ocean, rivers, estuaries, lagoons, and inland lakes across more than 19 countries. Source
What do African manatees eat?
They are mostly herbivorous grazers, feeding on aquatic plants and mangrove vegetation, but coastal populations also eat mollusks and fish — an unusual trait among manatees. Source
Why is the African manatee considered Vulnerable?
Poaching for meat and oil, habitat fragmentation from dam construction, and accidental deaths in fishing nets and hydroelectric turbines have all contributed to its Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List. Source

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org