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Wang Z, Pang Y, Ulus C, Zhu X. Counting manatee aggregations using deep neural networks and Anisotropic Gaussian Kernel. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19793. [PMID: 37957170 PMCID: PMC10643465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Manatees are aquatic mammals with voracious appetites. They rely on sea grass as the main food source, and often spend up to eight hours a day grazing. They move slow and frequently stay in groups (i.e. aggregations) in shallow water to search for food, making them vulnerable to environment change and other risks. Accurate counting manatee aggregations within a region is not only biologically meaningful in observing their habit, but also crucial for designing safety rules for boaters, divers, etc., as well as scheduling nursing, intervention, and other plans. In this paper, we propose a deep learning based crowd counting approach to automatically count number of manatees within a region, by using low quality images as input. Because manatees have unique shape and they often stay in shallow water in groups, water surface reflection, occlusion, camouflage etc. making it difficult to accurately count manatee numbers. To address the challenges, we propose to use Anisotropic Gaussian Kernel (AGK), with tunable rotation and variances, to ensure that density functions can maximally capture shapes of individual manatees in different aggregations. After that, we apply AGK kernel to different types of deep neural networks primarily designed for crowd counting, including VGG, SANet, Congested Scene Recognition network (CSRNet), MARUNet etc. to learn manatee densities and calculate number of manatees in the scene. By using generic low quality images extracted from surveillance videos, our experiment results and comparison show that AGK kernel based manatee counting achieves minimum Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The proposed method works particularly well for counting manatee aggregations in environments with complex background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Yiran Pang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Cihan Ulus
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Xingquan Zhu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
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Reyes-Arias JD, Brady B, Ramos EA, Henaut Y, Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Maust-Mohl M, Searle L, Pérez-Lachaud G, Guzmán HM, Poveda H, Merchan F, Contreras K, Sanchez-Galan JE, Collom KA, Magnasco MO. Vocalizations of wild West Indian manatee vary across subspecies and geographic location. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11028. [PMID: 37419931 PMCID: PMC10328939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37882-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Geographic variation in the vocal behavior of manatees has been reported but is largely unexplored. Vocalizations of wild West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) were recorded with hydrophones in Florida from Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), and in Belize and Panama from Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) to determine if calls varied between subspecies and geographic regions. Calls were visually classified into five categories: squeaks, high squeaks, squeals, squeak-squeals, and chirps. From these five categories, only three call types (squeaks, high squeaks and squeals) were observed in all three populations. Six parameters from the temporal and frequency domains were measured from the fundamental frequency of 2878 manatee vocalizations. A repeated measures PERMANOVA found significant differences for squeaks and high squeaks between each geographic location and for squeals between Belize and Florida. Almost all measured frequency and temporal parameters of manatee vocalizations differed between and within subspecies. Variables that may have influenced the variation observed may be related to sex, body size, habitat and/or other factors. Our findings provide critical information of manatee calls for wildlife monitoring and highlight the need for further study of the vocal behavior of manatees throughout their range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Reyes-Arias
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Beth Brady
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Eric A Ramos
- Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad (FINS), 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Yann Henaut
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
| | - Delma Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez
- Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad (FINS), 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Quintana Roo, 77039, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, 03940, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Maria Maust-Mohl
- Department of Psychology, Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York, NY, 10471, USA
| | | | - Gabriela Pérez-Lachaud
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Héctor M Guzmán
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, 0843-03092, Panama City, Panama
| | - Héctor Poveda
- Grupo de Investigación en Sistemas de Comunicaciones Digitales Avanzados (GISCDA), Facultad de Ingeniería de Eléctrica, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, El Dorado, Panama City, 0819-07289, Panama
| | - Fernando Merchan
- Grupo de Investigación en Sistemas de Comunicaciones Digitales Avanzados (GISCDA), Facultad de Ingeniería de Eléctrica, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, El Dorado, Panama City, 0819-07289, Panama
| | - Kenji Contreras
- Grupo de Investigación en Sistemas de Comunicaciones Digitales Avanzados (GISCDA), Facultad de Ingeniería de Eléctrica, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, El Dorado, Panama City, 0819-07289, Panama
| | - Javier E Sanchez-Galan
- Facultad de Ingeniería de Sistemas Computacionales, Universidad Tecnologica de Panama, Campus Victor Levi Sasso, Panama, Panama
| | - Kristi A Collom
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Alvarez-Aleman A, Hunter ME, Frazer TK, Powell JA, Alfonso EG, Austin JD. The first assessment of the genetic diversity and structure of the endangered West Indian manatee in Cuba. Genetica 2022; 150:327-341. [PMID: 36271978 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-022-00172-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The coastal waters of Cuba are home to a small, endangered population of West Indian manatee, which would benefit from a comprehensive characterization of the population's genetic variation. We conducted the first genetic assessment of Cuban manatees to determine the extent of the population's genetic structure and characterize the neutral genetic diversity among regions within the archipelago. We genotyped 49 manatees at 18 microsatellite loci, a subset of 27 samples on 1703 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and sequenced 59 manatees at the mitochondrial control region. The Cuba manatee population had low nuclear (microsatellites HE = 0.44, and SNP HE = 0.29) and mitochondrial genetic diversity (h = 0.068 and π = 0.00025), and displayed moderate departures from random mating (microsatellite FIS = 0.12, SNP FIS = 0.10). Our results suggest that the western portion of the archipelago undergoes periodic exchange of alleles based on the evidence of shared ancestry and low but significant differentiation. The southeast Guantanamo Bay region and the western portion of the archipelago were more differentiated than southwest and northwest manatees. The genetic distinctiveness observed in the southeast supports its recognition as a demographically independent unit for natural resource management regardless of whether it is due to historical isolation or isolation by distance. Estimates of the regional effective population sizes, with the microsatellite and SNP datasets, were small (all Ne < 60). Subsequent analyses using additional samples could better examine how the observed structure is masking simple isolation by distance patterns or whether ecological or biogeographic forces shape genetic patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmari Alvarez-Aleman
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, 2035 McCarty hall D, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA. .,Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de La Habana, Calle 16 # 114 Entre 1ra y 3ra Plaza, Havana, Cuba. .,Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, FL, USA.
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, USA
| | - Thomas K Frazer
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, 2035 McCarty hall D, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.,College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, 140 Seventh Avenue South, KRC 3109, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - James A Powell
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, FL, USA
| | - Eddy Garcia Alfonso
- Refugio de Fauna Lanzanillo-Pajonal-Fragoso, Empresa Provincial para la Protección de la Flora y la Fauna, Villa Clara, Cuba
| | - James D Austin
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, 2035 McCarty hall D, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.,Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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4
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Manatee population traits elucidated through photo-identification. Mamm Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-022-00270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Henaut Y, Charles A, Delfour F. Cognition of the manatee: past research and future developments. Anim Cogn 2022; 25:1049-1058. [PMID: 36002602 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we present a review of the current knowledge related to the cognitive abilities of the manatee, with a focus on the Antillean manatee in situ and ex situ. Following a biocentric approach, we consider the animals' ecology, perception and sociality and we introduce future perspectives on their cognition. Scientific literature on the cognitive abilities of Antillean manatees' is limited and mainly linked to medical training and veterinary manipulations. To perceive and to interact with their social and natural environment (e.g. social interactions, foraging and traveling), manatees use visual, acoustic and tactile modalities that may be involved in a large range of cognitive abilities. Research on stimuli perception in manatees is scarce; however, these animals demonstrate abilities to learn and appear to show long-term memory. For example, to mate and/or to forage manatees travel at medium and large geographical scales; without doubt their movements entail the use of a set of stimuli and learning processes. Furthermore, their social skills (e.g. social organization, tactile and acoustic communications) are also poorly understood although their social interactions appear to be more complex than previously thought. Finally, as for many animals, temperament/personality may play a key role during their interactions with conspecifics and the environment. These aspects on manatee behavior and cognition are important for management and conservation purposes and help us understand the evolution of these marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Henaut
- Laboratorio de Conducta Animal, GAIA-BIO, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Av. del Centenario Km. 5.5, C.P. 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
| | - Aviva Charles
- Centre d'Ecologie et des Sciences de la Conservation (CESCO, UMR 7204, CNRS, MNHN, Sorbonne-Université, MNHN), Paris, France
- ZooParc de Beauval and Beauval Nature, 41110, Saint Aignan, France
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Sá ALAD, Baker PKB, Breaux B, Oliveira JM, Klautau AGCDM, Legatzki K, Luna FDO, Attademo FLN, Hunter ME, Criscitiello MF, Schneider MPC, Sena LDS. Novel insights on aquatic mammal MHC evolution: Evidence from manatee DQB diversity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 132:104398. [PMID: 35307479 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The low diversity in marine mammal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) appears to support the hypothesis of reduced pathogen selective pressure in aquatic systems compared to terrestrial environments. However, the lack of characterization of the aquatic and evolutionarily distant Sirenia precludes drawing more generalized conclusions. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the MHC DQB diversity of two manatee species and compare it with those reported for marine mammals. Our results identified 12 and 6 alleles in T. inunguis and T. manatus, respectively. Alleles show high rates of nonsynonymous substitutions, suggesting loci are evolving under positive selection. Among aquatic mammals, Pinnipeda DQB had smaller numbers of alleles, higher synonymous substitution rate, and a dN/dS ratio closer to 1, suggesting it may be evolving under more relaxed selection compared to fully aquatic mammals. This contradicts one of the predictions of the hypothesis that aquatic environments impose reduced pathogen pressure to mammalian immune system. These results suggest that the unique evolutionary trajectories of mammalian MHC may impose challenges in drawing ecoevolutionary conclusions from comparisons across distant vertebrate lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luiz Alves de Sá
- Laboratory of Applied Genetics (LGA), Socio-Environmental and Water Resources Institute (ISARH), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Av. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501, 66077-830, Belém, PA, Brazil; Laboratory of Genomics and Biotechnology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), R. Augusto Correa 01, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Pamela Ketrya Barreiros Baker
- Laboratory of Genomics and Biotechnology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), R. Augusto Correa 01, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Breanna Breaux
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jairo Moura Oliveira
- Zoological Park of Santarém - Universidade da Amazônia (ZOOUNAMA), R. Belo Horizonte, 68030-150, Santarém, PA, Brazil
| | - Alex Garcia Cavalleiro de Macedo Klautau
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Norte (CEPNOR), Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), Av. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501, 66077-830, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Kristian Legatzki
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação da Biodiversidade Marinha do Norte (CEPNOR), Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), Av. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501, 66077-830, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Fábia de Oliveira Luna
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals, Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (CMA), ICMBio, Rua Alexandre Herculano 197, 11050-031, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Löffler Niemeyer Attademo
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals, Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (CMA), ICMBio, Rua Alexandre Herculano 197, 11050-031, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Margaret Elizabeth Hunter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, USA.
| | - Michael Frederick Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Maria Paula Cruz Schneider
- Laboratory of Genomics and Biotechnology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), R. Augusto Correa 01, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Dos Santos Sena
- Center for Advanced Biodiversity Studies (CEABIO), Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), R. Augusto Correa 01, 66075-110, Belém, PA, Brazil.
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Analysis of a long-term dataset of Antillean manatee strandings in Belize: implications for conservation. ORYX 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605321000983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
We analysed 23 years of data on strandings of the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus in Belize, documented by the Belize Marine Mammal Stranding Network, to examine the threats to this population. A total of 451 stranding incidents were reported, of which 376 (83.4%) cases were verified. A total of 286 (63.4%) of the incidents occurred within Belize District, where the number of strandings has almost tripled since 2009. Watercraft collisions accounted for the highest number of strandings, with 131 confirmed cases, and is the leading cause of anthropogenic mortality for this population. Collision with watercraft is an emerging and major threat to manatees in Belize, and is correlated with increases in human activity, in particular associated with tourism. This finding of high levels of manatee deaths in Belize is consistent with trends previously reported for manatees in Florida and Puerto Rico. This work can provide guidance to detect and address similar patterns of mortality in other Antillean manatee populations across the species' range. There is a need for greater awareness of the threats facing the species and its habitat, for stakeholder partnerships to address these threats, implementation of legislation for the protection of manatees, and consistent enforcement of regulations to protect this population. Boating regulations, such as no-wake zones within areas of high manatee presence, as well as regulation of tourism boating activities, need to be implemented to reduce the threats to the species.
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Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Alvarez-Alemán A, Torres R, Teague AL, Barton SL, Rood KA, Ramos EA, Mignucci-Giannoni AA. First documentation of long-distance travel by a Florida manatee to the Mexican Caribbean. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2021.1967457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Delma N. Castelblanco-Martínez
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad de Quintana Roo, Boulevard Bahía Esq. Comonfort s/n, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77019, Mexico
- Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad, Calle Larún, Manzana 75, Lote 4, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 75014, Mexico
| | - Anmari Alvarez-Alemán
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA
| | - Raúl Torres
- Delphinus, Carretera Chetumal Pto. Juarez km. 282, Quintana Roo 77710, Mexico
| | - Amy L. Teague
- U.S. Geological Survey, 7920 NW 71st St, Gainesville FL 32653, USA
| | - Sheri L. Barton
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA
| | - Kari A. Rood
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 100 8th Ave S.E, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Eric A. Ramos
- Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad, Calle Larún, Manzana 75, Lote 4, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 75014, Mexico
| | - Antonio A. Mignucci-Giannoni
- Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, 500 Carr. John Will Harris, Bayamón 00957, Puerto Rico
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, USA
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Lima CS, Magalhães RF, Santos FR. Conservation issues using discordant taxonomic and evolutionary units: a case study of the American manatee (Trichechus manatus, Sirenia). WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The delimitation of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) frequently results in controversy, but prioritising populations with evolutionary independence is essential for effective in situ conservation management. The American manatee (Trichechus manatus) is distributed along subtropical and tropical coastal waters from Florida (USA) to Alagoas (Brazil), and two subspecies are traditionally recognised, namely, T. m. latirostris, restricted to the Florida peninsula, and T. m. manatus, found in the remaining areas. However, this subspecific classification is not supported by genetic and morphologic evidence, which, rather, recognises two deeply differentiated populations or ESUs called Atlantic (Brazil) and Caribbean (from Venezuela to Florida). In this viewpoint paper, we compare both intraspecific divisions of T. manatus and the conservation implications. First, we used all available mtDNA evidence to test the genealogical clustering of the two American manatee ESUs by using a tree-based coalescent method. Second, we have used different models under a coalescent framework to estimate the historic gene flow among manatee populations. The analysis of the spatial distribution of mtDNA clusters confirmed the existence of the two suggested ESUs, rather than the two claimed subspecies. Furthermore, the best model to explain historic migration indicates that Brazilian manatees belong to an isolated population, whereas Florida and Caribbean populations are connected by more recent gene flow. These results have confirmed that T. manatus of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Florida belong to the same deme or Caribbean ESU, and the relatively isolated population inhabiting the Atlantic coast of Brazil belongs to the Atlantic ESU. Furthermore, both ESUs are separated by an interspecific hybrid zone (with the Amazonian manatee) located around the mouth of the Amazon River towards the Guianas coastline. The subdivision of two ESUs is also highly supported by karyotypic, morphological and ecological data, and is in clear disagreement with the traditional subspecies designations and the IUCN priorities, which manages Brazilian manatees as part of the Antillean manatee subspecies (T. m. manatus). Rather, Brazilian manatees should be considered as a full priority for conservation and require further taxonomic research; because of their deep history of isolation, they present high genetic and morphologic differentiation from all other American manatees.
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Cowart JR, Collins DM, Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Alejandro-Zayas T, Rivera-Guzman AL, Larkin IV. Manual Collection and Semen Characterization in a West Indian Manatee ( Trichechus manatus). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:569993. [PMID: 33195557 PMCID: PMC7642902 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.569993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited information is available regarding male reproductive physiology in West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus). Currently, only basic ultrastructural and morphometric descriptions of the spermatozoon exist; however, there are no reports evaluating any seminal characteristics in this species. Therefore, the aim of the study was to fill current gaps in knowledge regarding semen parameters in West Indian manatees by collecting and characterizing multiple ejaculate samples from a single, adult West Indian manatee. Samples were analyzed for the following semen parameters: volume, agglutination, pH, osmolality, viscosity, concentration, total sperm number, motility and kinematic parameters, morphology, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, chromatin maturation, and chromatin condensation. All macroscopic semen parameters varied to some extent between samples. Total and progressive motility was high for ejaculates 2 to 5, exceeding 97 and 89%, respectively; however, these parameters decreased dramatically throughout ejaculates 6 and 7. Across all samples, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, and average pathway velocity represented the largest significant differences (p < 0.001) between each of the progression velocity subgroups (rapid, medium, slow). Sperm characteristics, including acrosome integrity (79.8%), chromatin condensation (93.1%), and chromatin maturation (99.5%) were very high; however, high numbers of morphologically abnormal sperm were present (52.9%) and plasma membrane integrity was low (45.1%). These results are the first of their kind for this species and suggest high semen quality, based on multiple ejaculates, in this male West Indian manatee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Cowart
- Aquatic Animal Health Program, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Danielle M Collins
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Antonio A Mignucci-Giannoni
- Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, Puerto Rico.,Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Tamara Alejandro-Zayas
- Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Antonio L Rivera-Guzman
- Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Iskande V Larkin
- Aquatic Animal Health Program, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Abstract
AbstractThe Endangered Antillean manateeTrichechus manatus manatusis one of the most threatened aquatic mammal species in Mexico and the wider Caribbean region. The decline of this subspecies is mainly a result of historical exploitation and the impact of current coastal development. The conservation strategies adopted for the Antillean manatee include habitat protection, reduction of the most severe threats, and the rescue of stranded, orphaned or injured individuals and their management in captivity. This latter strategy has produced positive outcomes in some countries but has been the subject of controversy in others, including Mexico. We analyse the benefits and challenges associated with the management of captive manatees in Mexico, and the consequences of a lack of government policy and strategy for the post-rehabilitation release of individuals. We describe the evolution of this controversy from 1997–2017 in Mexico, analyse the consequences and implications for the conservation of the species, and propose an integrated management strategy that could address the issues raised. Although this strategy has been developed in the context of Mexico, it is applicable to management of this species across the Caribbean region.
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Ávila-Canto JG, Velázquez-Mendoza C, Castelblanco-Martínez N, Niño-Torres C, Córdova-Tapia F. Is the Antillean manatee ( Trichechus manatus manatus ) back in town? Presence of the species at the “Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Yum Balam”, Quintana Roo, Mexico. REV MEX BIODIVERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmb.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Hieb EE, Carmichael RH, Aven A, Nelson‑Seely C, Taylor N. Sighting demographics of the West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus in the north-central Gulf of Mexico supported by citizen-sourced data. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Barros HMDDR, Meirelles ACO, Luna FO, Marmontel M, Cordeiro-Estrela P, Santos N, Astúa D. Cranial and chromosomal geographic variation in manatees (Mammalia: Sirenia: Trichechidae) with the description of the Antillean manatee karyotype in Brazil. J ZOOL SYST EVOL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. D. do R. Barros
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia; Departamento de Zoologia/CB; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Recife PE Brazil
- Laboratório de Genética e Citogenética Animal; Departamento de Genética/CB; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Recife PE Brazil
| | - Ana C. O. Meirelles
- Programa de Mamíferos Marinhos; Associação de Pesquisa e Preservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos; Caucaia CE Brazil
| | - Fábia O. Luna
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos; Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; Itamaracá PE Brazil
| | - Miriam Marmontel
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Mamíferos Aquáticos Amazônicos; Instituto de Desenvolvimento Sustentável Mamirauá; Tefé AM Brazil
| | - Pedro Cordeiro-Estrela
- Laboratório de Mamíferos/Coleção de Mamíferos; Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia/CCEN; Universidade Federal da Paraíba; João Pessoa PB Brazil
| | - Neide Santos
- Laboratório de Genética e Citogenética Animal; Departamento de Genética/CB; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Recife PE Brazil
| | - Diego Astúa
- Laboratório de Mastozoologia; Departamento de Zoologia/CB; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Recife PE Brazil
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Seasonal prevalence of antibodies to Leptospira interrogans in Antillean manatees from a landlocked lake in Tabasco, Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2014; 50:505-11. [PMID: 24779468 DOI: 10.7589/2013-05-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Factors that alter the dynamics of ecologic systems can influence transmission of infectious diseases and may lead to decreases in natural populations. Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan disease of zoonotic importance that affects most mammals. At the southern Gulf of Mexico, Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) inhabit highly variable environments, with extended floods during the rainy season and drought conditions during the dry season that affect food availability and the thermal environment for manatees. We tested for changes in prevalence and titers of antibodies to 12 serovars of Leptospira interrogans in manatees between dry and rainy seasons. We determined titers for L. interrogans through microscopic agglutination tests (MAT) from 10 manatees, six during the dry season (DS), and six during the rainy season (RS) in Laguna de las Ilusiones, a landlocked lake hosting a population of about 20 manatees. All individuals were antibody positive (titers ≥ 100) to at least one serovar. The serovars bataviae, bratislava, canicola, and icterohaemorrhagiae had overall prevalences ≥ 50%; bataviae, bratislava, and canicola had prevalences ≥ 50% during both seasons. Serovars icterohaemorrhagiae and pyrogenes had prevalences ≥ 50% during DS and pomona, tarassovi, wolfii, and autumnalis during RS. Significant differences in prevalence between seasons were found for pomona, tarassovi, and autumnalis. Titers of tarassovi, wolfii, autumnalis, and bataviae were significantly higher during RS. There was a high prevalence of L. interrogans during the RS independent of high availability of plant foods, coinciding with the epizootiology of the bacteria that are endemic to tropical regions. Another factor possibly influencing prevalence is high anthropogenic pressure at the lake, causing an increase in potential sources of infection. Because of possible cross-reaction in MAT, further research is needed on the molecular discrimination of serovars in animals in the lake.
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Satizábal P, Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Duchêne S, Caicedo-Herrera D, Perea-Sicchar CM, García-Dávila CR, Trujillo F, Caballero SJ. Phylogeography and sex-biased dispersal across riverine manatee populations (Trichechus inunguis and Trichechus manatus) in South America. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52468. [PMID: 23285054 PMCID: PMC3527500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylogeographic patterns and sex-biased dispersal were studied in riverine populations of West Indian (Trichechus manatus) and Amazonian manatees (T. inunguis) in South America, using 410bp D-loop (Control Region, Mitochondrial DNA) sequences and 15 nuclear microsatellite loci. This multi-locus approach was key to disentangle complex patterns of gene flow among populations. D-loop analyses revealed population structuring among all Colombian rivers for T. manatus, while microsatellite data suggested no structure. Two main populations of T. inunguis separating the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon were supported by analysis of the D-loop and microsatellite data. Overall, we provide molecular evidence for differences in dispersal patterns between sexes, demonstrating male-biased gene flow dispersal in riverine manatees. These results are in contrast with previously reported levels of population structure shown by microsatellite data in marine manatee populations, revealing low habitat restrictions to gene flow in riverine habitats, and more significant dispersal limitations for males in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Satizábal
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos-LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Tucker KP, Hunter ME, Bonde RK, Austin JD, Clark AM, Beck CA, McGuire PM, Oli MK. Low genetic diversity and minimal population substructure in the endangered Florida manatee: implications for conservation. J Mammal 2012. [DOI: 10.1644/12-mamm-a-048.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Hunter ME, Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Tucker KP, King TL, Bonde RK, Gray BA, McGuire PM. Puerto Rico and Florida manatees represent genetically distinct groups. CONSERV GENET 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-012-0414-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Castelblanco-Martínez DN, Nourisson C, Quintana-Rizzo E, Padilla-Saldivar J, Schmitter-Soto JJ. Potential effects of human pressure and habitat fragmentation on population viability of the Antillean manatee Trichechus manatus manatus: a predictive model. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2012. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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