Manatee Birth and Reproduction
 |
| A mother manatee and calf. (Photo © Kim Walker Stanberry) |
The reproductive rate for manatees is low. Female manatees are not sexually mature until about five years of age. Males are mature at approximately nine years of age, although some males mature earlier.
|
The calf nurses from the mother.
(Photo © Kim Walker Stanberry
|
|
On average, one calf is born every two to five years, and twins are rare. Intervals between births range from two to five years. A two-year interval may occur when a female, or cow, loses a calf soon after birth. The gestation period for female manatees is about a year.
Male manatees assume no responsibility for raising the calf. Mothers nurse their young for one to two years, so a calf may remain dependent on its mother during that time.
Calves nurse underwater from teats located behind the mother's flippers and begin to eat plants a few weeks after birth. Newborn calves are capable of swimming to the surface on their own and vocalize at or soon after birth.
 |
 |
| A manatee mom and newborn calf. (Photos © John Toebe, FPL) |
Get More Info!
