Distribution and abundance of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in the Panama Canal

The West Indian manatee ( Trichechus manatus ) is threatened throughout its distribution, and is categorized as vulnerable by IUCN (Lefebvre 2001, IUCN 2007). The number of mature individuals is currently estimated at less than 10,000 and is expected to decline at a rate of at least 10% over the next 20 years as a result of both habitat loss and anthropogenic factors (Deutsch et al . 2008). While the West Indian manatee is the most widespread of all existing sirenians, some populations are estimated at fewer than 10 individuals (Deutsch et al . 2008, Quintana-Rizzo and Reynolds 2010). In addition, in most Central American countries reliable information on manatee distribution and conservation status is missing and there is need to assess these remnant populations to guide future management strategies.