THE behaviourAL and morphometric  features of West African manatee:  Trichechus senegalensis in a semi–wild  environment

Dr Esenowo Imeh Kokoete; Akpan U. A.; Egwali; E.C.

Volume : III, Issue : III, March - 2014

THE behaviourAL and morphometric features of West African manatee: Trichechus senegalensis in a semi–wild environment

Dr Esenowo Imeh Kokoete, Akpan U. A. , Egwali, E. C.

Abstract :

The behavioural and morphometric features of West Africa manatee; Trichechus senegalensis, in a semiwild environment was study from July 2008 to November 2008. Surface water was measured to determine the physico–chemical parameters of the stream. Mean values of surface water temperature of 26.56�1.08oC; pH, 6.47�0.25; Free carbon dioxide, 8.83�1.44mg/L; total alkalinity, 10.35�1.85 mg/L; Dissolved Oxygen, 7.35�1.42 mg/L and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 2.41�0.47 mg/L were within stipulated ranged as safe for aquatic organism. Eleven macrophytes belonging to eight families were fed to the manatee daily. The morphometric measurement showed total length 192cm, standard length 152cm, body weight 265kg, fluke width 36cm, flipper length 36cm, head length 34cm, girth at umbilicus 120cm, girth at genital pore 82cm, girth at anus 64cm. The results indicate that the semi–wild environment provides favourable conditions for the survival of the manatee.