|
C Cavorting rolling, spy hopping, tail
coming out of water, quickly swimming back and forth around
other animal(s) or even grabbing and rolling with another
animal. This behavior is usually pre-cursor to mating
behavior if focal female is present.
D Drinking slurping water at the surface;
diving down to crack in cement and mouthing wall
F Feeding vegetation observed being pulled
below water column; vegetation in mouth or chewing movement
of mouth when at surface; mud trail coming from area animal
is in (i.e. feeding on the bottom); fast breaths with head
being thrown out of water every 2-3 minutes in calm water
can also indicate feeding behavior (primarily observed in
saltwater)
H Human interaction human in the water or
land which has caused the animal to change its behavior
HB Human boat animal changes behavior due to
boating activity nearby; record estimated distance boat is
from animal; please also note when a boat goes by an animal
even if no behavior change is observed.
M Mating primary difference between cavorting
and mating behavior is that a focal female animal is
present. This means all other animals are focusing their
cavorting behavior on one specific animal. Female can be
observed to climb into shallow water to avoid males or tail
slap males when they are grabbing her when she is not
receptive. Copulation is confirmed when a female floats
calmly on the surface (back at surface) while male goes
under female upside down and at an angle to her body.
Copulation is very calm and little activity can be
detected.
L Milling slow back and forth movement of
animal without clear direction. This behavior could also be
foraging behavior of animal prior to feeding.
N Nursing calf will nurse under either
flipper. Mother can sometimes be see turning her onto her
slide slightly while extending her flipper to help calf
locate mammary gland
P Pacing - swimming tight circles; this has
been considered a response to stress (seen in many recently
released rehab. animals) or an energy exert behavior to keep
warm
RB Resting on bottom animal rises to the
surface to breathe every 7-10 minutes (max 15 minutes
recorded) for 2-3 breaths at a time and then slowly sinks to
the bottom
RS Resting at surface animal resting with
back floating at surface; will take 2-3 breaths every 7-10
minutes (max 15 minutes recorded)
S Socializing touching noses; chewing
along body, slight body touching; close following while
milling followed by touching. If behavior turns to body
parts coming out of water, socializing behavior has changed
to cavorting.
T Traveling movement with directed path
and purpose; speed usually constant and faster than milling
behavior; movement can be long range or to other side of
river
(M.Ross/Wildlife Trust)
Please Note: Manatees are an endangered species, protected under the
federal Endangered Species and Marine Mammal Protection Acts, the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act
and a protected species under the Alabama Nongame
Species Regulation.
It is illegal to harass manatees (including touching,
riding, poking, feeding/watering, chasing, surrounding, or
otherwise altering their natural behavior). Federal
conviction for manatee harassment is punishable by up to
$100,000 fine and/or one year in prison.
Credit: Monica Ross
Wildlife Trust
|
