Thermoregulatory capabilities of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Final report.

Abstract

This research is part of an on-going series of studies designed to address questions regarding the physiological ecology and energetics of the West Indian Manatee with the goal of better understanding the thermal physiology of the species. The purpose of the present study was to expand the limited dataset that is available for adult manatees and ascertain whether the metabolic responses exhibited by these additional animals are consistent with previously collected information. Thermoregulatory capabilities of three adult female manatees were evaluated at Sea World in Orlando, Florida. The results of the study are described.