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The Biology, Behavior, and Conservation of the Florida Manatee

Pixabay

If Hollywood were to assemble a cast of Florida marine life for a film, the dolphin would be the high-energy hero, the sea turtle would be the brainy taskmaster of the operation, and the manatee would be the slow-moving but lovable character everyone looks forward to seeing. 

This is the character at the center of a new book by John E. Reynolds III, called “Manatees: Biology, Behavior, and Conservation.” It’s a down to earth yet scholarly read about one of Florida’s most lovable sea creatures, accompanied by stunning photography by Wayne Lynch.

Today at 1:30 we’ll talk with the author, John E. Reynolds III who is the senior scientist a Mote Marine Laboratory’s Manatee Research Program and the former chair of the US Marine Mammal Commission. He’ll talk to us about some little-known facts about manatees you’ll find in his book.  We’ll also talk about the recent de-classification of manatees from the Endangered Species list and what he thinks that means for our sea-cows. 

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.