Distribution and habitat use by manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Belize and Chetumal Bay, Mexico

The nearshore coastal areas of Belize and of Chetumal Bay, Mexico, support one of the largest populations of manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Caribbean. In order to further document the distribution, relative abun dance, habitat associations, and status of this population, we conducted th ree aerial surveys. The flights were done in January 1994, May 1994, and Ja nuary 1995. Total manatec counts for each survey were 266, 207, and 171, re spectively. Calves represented 7.4% of the grand total. Solitary manatees r epresented 62.8% of the total count. Manatees were numerous around the cays east of Belize City, in Placentia and Indian Hill lagoons, and in Chetumal Bay. Most manatees were observed in lagoons and rivers. Growing tourist ac tivities should be assessed to avoid undesirable effects on manatees. Poach ing and marketing of manatee products continues to jeopardize the animals i n some areas, Current research and management activities are part of a coop erative international program to conserve the manatee in the Caribbean regi on. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.