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FWC Manatee Photo-identification Program

By photographing manatees with distinct features researchers are able to track individual manatees over time and examine life history traits of the population.

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What is manatee photo-identification?

Manatee photo-identification is a non-invasive research technique that uses the unique pattern of scars and mutilations on a manatee's trunk and tail fluke to identify an individual animal over time.  In Florida, the scars are primarily a result of encounters with boats; however entanglements in fishing gear, cold stress lesions, and fungal infections also can cause scarring.

Photo credit: FWC           TB021 - 1993

Photo credit: FWC             TB021 - 2006

What does photo-identification tell us?

The capture histories produced through photo-identification efforts are used to esitmate annual adult survival rates and to model population dynamics for state and federal assessments of Florida manatee status and recovery.  Additionally these data provide insights into manatee movements, site fidelity, habitat use, behavior, intra- and inter- specific associations, and reproductive parameters such as calving intervals and length of calf dependency.

Manatee photo-identification partnership

Manatee photo-identifcation research is realized through a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey's Sirenia Project (USGS), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Mote Marine Laboratory (MML).  These federal, state, and private entities work collaboratively to photograph Florida manatees throughout their range, process images, identify manatees, and manage an integrated sightings database, known as the Manatee Individual Photo-Identification System (MIPS).

Connection to the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory

All recovered carcasses are compared to animals documented through manatee photo-identification.

Photo credit: FWC        TB045 - February 2003

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Photo credit: FWC       TB045 - MNW0625 - July 2006

Glossary:

Population dynamics–The study of marginal and long-term changes in the number, individual weights, and age composition of individuals in one or several populations, and biological and environmental processes, or factors, influencing those changes.

Site fidelity–The tendency for an animal to return to the same location year after year.

Intra-specific associations–Associations between manatees.

Inter-specific associations–Associations of manatees with other species.

Reproductive parameters–Reproductive rates and characteristics of the population.

Calving interval–How often a female gives birth to a calf.

Length of calf dependency–How long a calf remains with its mother.