STRANDINGS OF ANTILLEAN MANATEES, TRICHECHUS MANATUS MANATUS, IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

摘要: The Antillean manatee ( Trichechus manatus ) is considered to be one of the most endangered aquatic mammals in Brazil. From 1981 through 2002 an extensive research was performed collect information about stranding manatees northeast coast Data were separated two distinct periods (1981-1990 and 1991-2002) analyzed according specific categories: stranded dead (captured by nets, captured harpoons undefined cause) alive (dead captivity captive population). There 74 events period surveyed. Thirty-one 43 specimens that survived until December, recorded. In last years study there more strandings live animals than dead. main reason for calves northeastern Brazil separation from their mothers. largest numbers occurred Ceara Rio Grande do Norte states.