How do manatees produce calves?
A. Manatees do not form permanent pair bonds like some animal species. During breeding, a single female is usually followed by a group of a dozen or more males, forming a mating herd. They appear to breed at random during this time. Although breeding and birth may occur at any time during the year, there appears to be a slight spring calving peak. Manatees usually bear one calf — twins are rare. Intervals between births range from two to five years. Scientists believe females do not become sexually mature until five years of age. Males are mature at approximately nine years of age.
