Manatees' use of Matlacha Isles, a secondary winter refuge site in Southwestern Florida. Final report.

Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine behavioral and habitat use patterns of manatees and some of the physical characteristics of Matlacha Isles, a secondary winter refuge site in southwestern Florida, to attempt to determine those features manatees may find attractive. For comparison, the same features of two nearby canal systems, not frequented by manatees during the winter, were also examined. Individual manatee activity was observed and monitored by photo-identification.