Thomas J. O’Shea Edward T. LaRoe Gaye S. Farris Catherine E. Puckett Peter D. Doran Michael J. Mac Lynn W. Lefebvre 1995 <p>The endangered Florida manatee (<i>Trichechus manatus latirostris</i>) is a survivor. It is one of only three living species of manatees which, along with their closest living relative, the dugong (<i>Dugong dugon</i>), make up the Order Sirenia. This taxonomic distinctiveness reflects their evolutionary and genetic uniqueness. Sirenians are the only herbivorous marine mammals; manatees feed on seagrasses; freshwater plants, including nuisance species such as hydrilla and water hyacinth; and even some shoreline vegetation. Because manatees depend on marine, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems, our efforts to protect them necessitate protection of aquatic resources.</p> application/pdf en National Biological Service Florida manatees chapter