Florida Manatees
March 13-17, 2004

Threatened, endangered and extinct are words that have become all too common in our 20th century vocabulary. The natural process of species evolution, taking hundreds and thousands of years, has accelerated rapidly since the turn of the century. Today because of man's desire for land and raw materials, his continued pollution and indiscriminate hunting many plant and wildlife species are on the brink of extinction. Nowhere is man's impact on other species more evident than in south Florida. Drainage of wetlands, alteration of overland water flow and hunting have all contributed to species decline. Everglades, once known for its abundant bird life, has seen its wading bird population decline drastically since the turn of the century. The Florida Panther once common throughout the state today is on the verge of extinction. Within the four National Park areas of Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Fort Jefferson National Monument there are 16 endangered and 6 threatened wildlife species. The mere physical boundaries of a National Park do not guarantee a species survival.

Since 1967, the West Indian Manatee has been on the Endangered Species List. This large, gentile creature is found prominently throughout Florida, with a heavy concentration located near Crystal River during the Winter months. Being a tropical animal, manatees cannot survive long periods in water temperatures below 68°F. By late December, over 100 of these giant "seacows" will have congregated around the springs near Crystal River. The refuge is critical habitat for 15 to 20 percent of the U.S. manatee population and is one of six naturally occurring warm water refuges in Florida, places with climates unaffected by outside changes. Our trip provides for two days of snorkeling with these beautiful creatures and one afternoon of diving

Here is some useful information about the manatee:

DESCRIPTION: Large, seal-like body that tapers to a powerful flat tail. Two agile forelimbs with three to four toenails on each, which act like arms to help the manatee maneuver in shallow water, grasp and move food toward their mouths, and act like flippers during swimming. Thick and wrinkled skin with a rough texture - a bit jiggly under the neck and arms. Their skin reacts to touch, as their bodies are very muscular - contracting and changing shape slightly when scratched or tickled. Powerful upper lips, which articulate to help maneuver food or dig through sediment.
 

SIZE: Average 9 to 10 feet long, weighing around 1,000 lbs. Can grow as large as 13 feet and weigh more than 3,000 lbs. Calves are born weighing about 40 lbs, gaining about 700 lbs. during their first year.
 

BEHAVIOR: Gentle and slow-moving. Most of the time is spent eating vegetation (100-150 lbs. per day), resting, and traveling. On average manatees can travel about 40 to 50 miles a day, sometimes farther. Chessie, the famed manatee rescued from the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay and returned to Florida, was tagged with a locating device which showed he traveled as far as Rhode Island during hot summer months.
 

SIGHT: Some people believe Manatees are nearsighted, or may have limited depth perception. It is believed that they can differentiate between colors. It is unclear how manatees navigate in pitch black or murky waters - when their eyesight would be of no use. They do have sparse body hair over their bodies, and thick whiskers on their faces. It is not clear if this aids in navigation. One expert is convinced, however, that they know exactly where swimmers are, even in blackout conditions.

HEARING: Manatees can hear very well despite the absence of external ear lobes. They are not believed to have the capabilities of echolocation.

COMMUNICATIONS: Emit sounds that are within human auditory range. They make sounds such as squeaks and squeals when frightened, playing, or communicating, particularly between cow and calf. No air is released from the manatee when these sounds are made, and it is not clear where the sounds are being produced or if they serve any other purpose.

BREATHING: Manatees are mammals and breath air through their noses at the surface - with nostrils, which close tightly when submerged. They breath every few minutes when active or swimming, and every 10 to 15 minutes when resting. They are capable of exchanging 98% of their lungs capacity in one breath. Their lungs are very large, and are also used for buoyancy control. The rushing sounds of a deep exhale and breath sounds much like a snorkeler. This sound, and the associated "footprint" left by the manatee’s tail and body at the surface are clues, which reveal the presence of manatees in the area.

HABITAT AND FOOD: Manatees are found in coastal waterways, estuaries, saltwater bays, rivers and canals, particularly where sea grass beds are located. Manatees are completely herbivorous and can eat 10-15% of their body weight daily. In captivity they are fed lettuce and other greens, and given elephant vitamins.

               
Also included in our package are 2 nights and 3 days at world-famous Orlando. During this time you may choose from among many entertainment options including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disneyworld, Sea World, Universal Studios and even the beautiful beaches of eastern Florida! Diving is also readily accessible along the Atlantic coast and at some nearby freshwater springs.

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