West Indian Manatee
Alana Blackman
West Indian Manatee (sea cow)
its scientific name is Trichechus manatus.They are becoming endangered because humans have been hunting them for their skin and meat. They are also dying off because of boating accidents. They have no natural predators so most manatee death are caused by humans.
Picture: http://www.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00009seasNz.MdQ/s/800/531/Manatee-more-CGrant-PS-614.jpg
What is being done to protect them?
West Indian Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. those acts basically make it illegal to hunt, harass, kill or capture.