Amazonian Manatee

Trichechus inunguis

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Sirenia · Trichechidae

About

The Amazonian manatee, commonly referred to as cowfish in Brazil, is a species of manatee that lives in the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. It has thin, wrinkled brownish or gray colored skin, with fine hairs scattered over its body and a white chest patch. It is the smallest of the three extant species of manatee.

Fun Fact

Amazonian manatees are the only exclusively freshwater sirenians, and during the annual Amazon flood season they gorge on floating vegetation — they can eat up to 8% of their body weight per day.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Rivers and floodplains

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

40-60 years

Threats

Wetland Drainage
Poaching
Water Pollution

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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