The West Indian manatee is no longer considered endangered thanks to population growth and improvement in conditions of the species’ habitat, federal authorities said Thursday.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) said that despite the progress the species remains “threatened” and federal safeguards that protect its habitat remain in place. “We both recognize the significant progress we have made in conserving manatee populations while reaffirming our commitment to continuing this species’ recovery and success throughout its range,” said Jim Kurth, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s acting director, in a statement.
Manatees, which are found in waters off Florida and in the Caribbean, have faced a number of threats in recent decades, including habitat loss and collisions with boats. Today, more than 6,600 live in the Florida region, according to the FWS.
- The Man Who Thinks He Can Live Forever
- Why We Can't Get Over the Roman Empire
- The Final Season of Netflix’s Sex Education Sends Off a Beloved Cast in Style
- How Russia Is Recruiting Cubans to Fight in Ukraine
- The Case for Mediocrity
- Paul Hollywood Answers All of Your Questions About The Great British Baking Show
- How Canada and India's Relationship Crumbled
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
