The Florida Manatee: Biology and Conservation

by Roger L. Reep, Robert K. Bonde

The most complete single volume on manatee biology and conservation available. In the field of marine biology, there is a uniqueness to manatee research, and in this book, Roger Reep and Robert Bonde make clear both its rewards and challenges. Veteran researchers with 45 years’ experience between them, they have created an instantly engaging, accessible tale of this mysterious creature for professionals and interested lay people alike.            Having played integral roles in many of the research efforts discussed in the book,Reep and Bonde humanize the sometimes difficult-to-grasp characteristics of manatee biology, their relation to the environment, and the biopolitics that result from the intersection of science and wildlife management. They weave fact with real-life scenarios to explain what science has learned about this unusual animal—from microorganisms that cause manatee die-offs during red tide blooms to the complexity of long-distance migrations to the curiosities of manatee physiology. The evolutionary basis of the sirenian language (how manatees communicate with each other) is also revealed.            Technological innovations and conservation efforts since the landmark protection legislation of the early 1970s are also central to the manatee story. Captive rehabilitation, radio tracking, and advanced boating regulations are discussed as methods to ensure manatee survival. Reep and Bonde argue that increasing interaction between man and manatee, most notably through the shared use of waterways, makes ongoing scientific research essential if successful coexistence is to be possible.  

Genres: Science, Biology, Animals

208 pages, Hardcover

First published May 20, 2006

Reviews

[James F · Rating 4 out of 5]

The manatee is surely one of the strangest of all mammals, with a unique lifestyle as an aquatic herbivore, most closely related to the elephant.

This book, while short, is very comprehensive, and very clearly written and organized. The authors, both researchers in the field, cover the evolutionary history of the Sirenidae, the unique biology of the manatee, its ecology, the threats to its survival and the ongoing efforts at conservation.

It's written in a popular style, but without becoming journalistic or engaging in "gosh-wow" effects.

[Chi Dubinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summarizes studies about manatee behavior, talks about rescue and conservation, and the future of manatees in the wild. Boaters in conflict with manatees in shared waterways.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this was an awesome read. For someone who does not want in-depth information about manatee habits, territory, food, anatomy, breeding, intelligence, etc. this book will not live up to your expectations. As someone who is very interested in manatees it was a real joy to be able to read this book and become that much more educated on what manatees are really like. It's more like a textbook than anything, but I loved every minute of it.