C-1 Manatee Ecology and Conservation in Cuba

Manatees inhabit fresh, brackish, and marine waters. All species of manatees are currently listed as Vulnerable, due primarily to habitat loss, poaching, entanglement, and other anthropogenic causes. One of the major challenges in ecological studies of manatees is the difficulty of detecting them in their natural habitats, particularly in regions where they have been historically or are currently hunted, as is the case with the West Indian manatee in Cuba. Challenging habitat characteristics (tannin-stained or turbid waters) coupled with elusive and cryptic behavior also impede the study and management of this species. Scientific studies in Cuba have been few and little is known about the abundance, habitat use, movement patterns, behavior, structure, and current health status of the manatee population. The current distribution in Cuba comes from anecdotal information and sporadic mortality records. Despite these limitations, the Center of Marine Investigations (University of Havana) is currently leading a multi-year study of the manatees in the Isla de la Juventud, in order to provide scientifically based recommendations to the government to assist in the management and conservation of this species. The objectives of the multiyear study are: 1. Implement and validate survey methodologies to determine the abundance and distribution of manatees. 2. Locate and characterize critical habitat for the species. 3. Study patterns of habitat use and movements. 4. Analyze food habits of the species. 5. Detect threats to the species. Here we report preliminary results from our collaboration with objectives 1 and 2 over the last two years

First Report of Pygmy Killer Whales (Feresa attenuata) in Cuba

The article reports on the first sighting of pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) in Cuba. Also cited are the similarities of the whales to the melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra) and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens), the differences in the behavior of Feresa attenuata and Peponocephala electra, and the stranding of two injured Feresa attenuata, which were treated with oxytetracycline and vitamin complex and released to the ocean

P-30 Characterization of West Indian manatee habitat using side-scan sonar in the Isla de la Juventud, Cuba

The West Indian manatee is divided into two subspecies, both listed as endangered. The Antillean subspecies (Trichechus manatus manatus) inhabits coastal tropical waters of Latin America and the Caribbean. Effective conservation strategies depend on understanding local habitat use, which is poorly studied in much of its range. Important habitat characteristics for manatees include availability of freshwater and vegetation, lack of strong currents, and shallow water depth. Other aspects of manatee habitat, such as benthic biotic and abiotic features, are more difficult to determine due to low water visibility. Recent studies have demonstrated that these features may be characterized using side-scan sonar. Buena Vista and San Pedro, two areas of manatee use within the Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, were characterized using side-scan sonar. The environmental complexity of both regions was measured by imaging the benthic environment and measuring water depth. Sonar images were ground-truthed visually. Additionally, freshwater sources were mapped. The number and length of creeks and channels was recorded as an indicator of the abundance of sheltered areas. Buena Vista is composed of several large, shallow lagoons, interconnected and with access to the sea by multiple channels. San Pedro is composed of two large, deeper lagoons and several smaller, very shallow lagoons. Compared to Buena Vista, San Pedro had a greater range of depth, more channels and lagoons, and access to freshwater sources. Despite the differences, both of these areas appear to be important to manatees in the region and may provide different resources (e.g. food, shelter)