Transcript Slide 1

Read the article “Big
Move for Manatees”
on the following page.
Write a summary of
the article in the text
box to the left. When
you have finished,
copy and paste the
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glass on the last slide.
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ANIMAL NEWS
Big Move for Manatees
Florida removes the manatee from its endangered species list
Last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to remove the manatee from
the state's endangered species list. The move has angered many wildlife
conservationists. They worry the mammals will not receive the same protection they have
in the past.
Why were the mammals taken off the list? Research shows the number of manatees in
Florida waters has risen from about 1,000 in the early 1990s to about 3,100 today. But
state scientists say the increase in the number of manatees is partly because scientists
have gotten better at locating the mammals.
All About Manatees
The slow-moving, migratory creatures can be found in the shallow estuaries, saltwater
bays, canals and coastal areas of Florida in the winter months. The average manatee
weighs between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds and is almost 10 feet long! The large floating
herbivores are often called sea cows.
Still in Danger?
Scientists predict that over the next 50 years, the number of manatees will be cut in half
because of habitat loss, red tide algae, and the creatures' collisions with boats. Over 400
manatees died last year. But Florida state officials say the manatees no longer face
extinction and must be reclassified.
Despite the changes in Florida, the manatee is still fully protected under federal law and
considered to be an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That
organization is reconsidering the manatees' status on the Endangered Species Act.
By Pavan Shamdasani
Read the article “Big
Move for Manatees”
on the following page.
Write a summary of
the article in the text
box to the left. When
you have finished,
copy and paste the
summary into the text
box on the magnifying
glass on the last slide.
Resize the text box if
necessary to fit on the
magnifying glass. Print
only the last slide.
Write your name in
the text box before
you print!
ANIMAL NEWS
Big Move for Manatees
Florida removes the manatee from its endangered species list
Last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to remove the manatee from
the state's endangered species list. The move has angered many wildlife
conservationists. They worry the mammals will not receive the same protection they have
in the past.
Why were the mammals taken off the list? Research shows the number of manatees in
Florida waters has risen from about 1,000 in the early 1990s to about 3,100 today. But
state scientists say the increase in the number of manatees is partly because scientists
have gotten better at locating the mammals.
All About Manatees
The slow-moving, migratory creatures can be found in the shallow estuaries, saltwater
bays, canals and coastal areas of Florida in the winter months. The average manatee
weighs between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds and is almost 10 feet long! The large floating
herbivores are often called sea cows.
Still in Danger?
Scientists predict that over the next 50 years, the number of manatees will be cut in half
because of habitat loss, red tide algae, and the creatures' collisions with boats. Over 400
manatees died last year. But Florida state officials say the manatees no longer face
extinction and must be reclassified.
Despite the changes in Florida, the manatee is still fully protected under federal law and
considered to be an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That
organization is reconsidering the manatees' status on the Endangered Species Act.
By Pavan Shamdasani