Growth curve of free-ranging Trichechus inunguis

摘要: The objective of this work was to describe growth curves for free-ranging Amazonian manatees in Brazil. Data analyzed included age estimates and biometrics from 60 (33 males 27 females) captured between 1993 2006 by local residents the mid-Solimoes Pirativa Rivers, Amazonia, collected Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentavel Mamiraua Centro Nacional Conservacao e Manejo Mamiferos Aquaticos/ICMBio. non-linear mathematical model used analyze data von Bertalanffy's equation; two were calculated, one L(t)male = 299.4[1-e-0.0897507(t+6.55696)], females L(t)female 256.1[1-e-0.23731(t+ 3.01921)]. Based on these equations, length at birth manatee is estimated 133.2 cm (average 113.0 cm; SD 34.4 cm) males, 131.0 cm 124.7 cm; 22.0 females. Among annual rate 0.09 (95% CI: ± 0.002), with a maximum 299.4 2.039), while presented 0.24 per year 0.004), reaching up 256.1 0.4832) total length. Even though equation not commonly sirenians, considering that when previously applied it did obtain satisfactory results, study proved adequate establishment curve manatees.