Manatee
The West African Manatee is not your average marine animal… but a little known about creature. Their scientific name is Trichechus senegalensis. They are the least studied of all manatees and pictures of their kind are extremely rare. Luckily I was able to find one of it! This photo is of one in Toba Aquarium in Japan. Scientists believe that they may be similar to the West Indian Manatee. These large but gentle animals are found in coastal marine and estuarine habitats. Though crocodiles and sharks have been known to kill them as prey, their main life threats come from us, yes us. Our threat comes from poaching, habitat loss, and other environmental impacts. These creatures are becoming vulnerable meaning that they are at risk of being endangered. Sadly little is known about this magnificent creature.