This poster represents preliminary results of my manatee research project. The only data which have been analyzed to date focus on objectives 1 and 3. However, initial surveys (objective 1) confirm the high use of the Drowned Cayes by Antillean manatees. More animals may be using the area than expected from aerial survey counts. Preliminary analysis of photographs and video indicate that many individuals can be identified by scar patterns and paddle nicks (objective 3). Photo-id methods will be used to determine if manatees demonstrate site fidelity to specific resting holes and feeding grounds (objective 4). Over longer periods of observation, photo-id can be used to estimate how many manatees are using the area and whether they are year round residents, seasonal residents, or transient and use the area for specific purposes (objective 6). During field time in the year 2000, I plan to compare vocalizations of identified animals to determine if manatees can be identified through audio recordings in areas where photography is impractical (objective 5).
As with most field studies, this one has raised as many questions as it has answered. For example, all of the manatees identified on the reef during July and August were males. Observations by Greg Smith at Basil Jones indicate that only males are found on the coral reef. Why are manatees NOT found on the reef during the winter and early spring months? Does the fact that all manatees "sexed" on the reef are males give us a clue? Perhaps it has something to do with mating. With long term observations of identified manatees, we can begin to test hypotheses. I am extremely grateful for the support of many people during this project. Special thanks are offered to the Oceanic Society - especially the VOLUNTEERS, Spanish Bay Resort, Nicole Auil, Armando "Patch" Mu�oz, Jane Packard, Bill Evans, Maxine Monsanto, Heidi Petersen, Buddy Powell, Greg Smith, Kate Schafer, Landy, Kecia Kerr, Barbara Bilgre, Bob Bonde, and Daryl Domning.
REFERENCES
Auil, Nicole. 1998. Belize Manatee Recovery Plan. UNDP/GEF Coastal Zone Management Project, BZE/92/G31, Belize/UNEP Caribbean environment Programme, Kingston, Jamaica. 67 pp.
Beck, Cathy A., and James P. Reid. 1995. An automated photo-identification catalog for studies of the life history of the Florida manatee. Pages 120-134 in O�Shea, Thomas J., Bruce B. Ackerman and H. Franklin Percival, editors. Population Biology of the Florida Manatee. National Biological Service Information and Technology Report 1.
O'Shea, Thomas J., and Charles A. �Lex� Salisbury. 1991. Belize - a last stronghold for manatees in the Caribbean. Oryx 25(3): 156-164.
Reynolds, John E. III, and Daniel K. Odell. 1991. Manatees and Dugongs. New York: Facts on File, Inc. 192 pp.
Stejneger, Leonhard. 1887. How the great northern sea-cow (Rytina) became exterminated. The American Naturalist 21(12): 1047-1054.
