IUCN Sirenia Specialist Group

2013 Update

International Sirenian Workshop at 19th Biennial Meeting of the Society of Marine Mammalogy
Increase in the number of range states that have signed the CMS Dugong MOU to 20
Publication of first scholarly synthesis of information on the ecology and conservation all four species*
Regional management plan for Caribbean manatees published 2010
West African manatee recognised as greatest conservation challenge because most range states least-developed countries
Brazil and Mexico updated their national manatee action plans in 2011
Useful links

Evidence that Florida manatee population is increasing and is likely eligible for downlisting
Rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in Australia in a manner that provided significant protection to dugongs
Establishment of Protected Areas in Mesoamerican countries to protect manatees

Most sirenian range states developing countries
Lack of political will to deliver effective conservation outcomes
Likely adverse impacts of human population increase and climate change on sub- tropical and tropical coastal and riverine habitats

Effective conservation of all four species of sirenians throughout their ranges, especially in developing range states
Increased knowledge of the distribution and relative abundance of the West African manatee and the Amazonian manatee
Revaluation of the conservation status of all four species
Regional listing of all major dugong subpopulations
Regional workshop to coordinate more effective conservation action of the Amazonian manatee