How many manatees are there, and how are they counted?
A. For years now, researchers have believed that the manatee population was somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 animals. The last aerial survey of the Florida manatee population was done in January 2000. The survey showed a population count of 2,222 manatees. A synoptic survey is a statewide aerial survey designed to get a head count of individual manatees. The success of synoptic surveys is very dependent on weather conditions. If the weather is cold and clear, then manatees are gathered around warm water sites, making it easier to get a “nose” count. Synoptic surveys are not the most reliable way to determine overall manatee population because so much depends on weather conditions, but they are the only available method at present.
A. For years now, researchers have believed that the manatee population was somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 animals. The last aerial survey of the Florida manatee population was done in February 2004. The survey showed a population count of 2,568 manatees. A synoptic survey is a statewide aerial survey designed to get a head count of individual manatees. The success of synoptic surveys is very dependent on weather conditions. If the weather is cold and clear, then manatees are gathered around warm water sites, making it easier to get a “nose” count. Synoptic surveys are not the most reliable way to determine overall manatee population because so much depends on weather conditions, but they are the only available method at present. Q. How many manatees are left in the world? A. Outside of Florida, little is known about the population of West Indian manatees or other sirenians in the world. By far, the largest population of West Indian manatees is found in the U.S. (Florida). Elsewhere
