West African Manatee Conservation

West African manatee status and distribution in Gabon, West Africa

The West African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is the most endangered and least understood member of the Order Sirenia. The species is endemic to rivers, estuaries and lagoon systems of the African Atlantic coast, ranging from Mauritania to Angola. There are no recent estimates of abundance and the impact of hunting and habitat destruction are poorly documented, but the trade in manatee bushmeat is well known in Gabon and elsewhere in West Africa. The global consensus is that the species is in need of urgent attention if remaining viable populations are to persist. Wildlife Trust research scientist, Lucy Keith, is conducting a multi-year, collaborative project comprising field research, training and educational outreach components to assess manatee status and distribution in Gabon. This project was designed to provide local biologists and resource managers suitable training in manatee research techniques, and opportunities to put lessons into practice. The resulting data and analyses provides much needed information on status and will provide a basis for further conservation action.

Between 2006 and 2009 Ms. Keith conducted 238 hours of boat surveys throughout Gabon, including all coastal national parks in the country, inland freshwater systems, protected areas and areas where hunting still occurs unchecked. Over three seasons a total of 51 manatee sightings were recorded, comprising at least 64 individuals at five locations. Interview surveys confirmed manatee presence at five additional locations where they weren't sighted. The surveys represent the most thorough documentation of manatee distribution in Gabon to date, and the sightings are the highest number ever recorded for Gabon. The numbers of manatees observed at several sites during these preliminary surveys is encouraging.

The following are important next steps to conserve West African manatees in Gabon:

Conduct preliminary genetic analysis of West African manatees
Continue to train local biologists in manatee research and conservation techniques
Behavioral studies and fine scale assessments of habitat use
Formulate preliminary estimates of relative abundance
Continue and expand public awareness and educational outreach campaigns
Make recommendations for long-term conservation and management to governments and local NGO's
Develop appropriate mitigation measures in collaboration with other agencies

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