Sirenian Species

Members of the Sirenia order are found in aquatic habitats similar to that of the West Indian manatee. Because of their herbivorous nature all are found in relatively shallow waters where sunlight can penetrate and stimulate plant growth.

The Amazonian manatee lives exclusively inland, freshwater areas, while the dugong prefers coastal and marine ecosystems. The West African manatee inhabits tropical and sub-tropical waters. The only Sirenian species to inhabit cold waters was Steller´s sea cow, hunted to extinction within 27 years of its discovery in 1741 in the Bering Strait.