Ecology and Conservation of the Sirenia
Dugongs and Manatees

A synthesis of the ecological and related knowledge pertinent to understanding the biology and conservation of dugongs and manatees.

Helene Marsh (Author), Thomas J. O'Shea (Author), John E. Reynolds III (Author)

9780521888288, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 December 2011

536 pages, 116 b/w illus. 33 tables
23.5 x 16 x 3 cm, 0.96 kg

'It is evident from the size of the tome that they have provided detail for the reader that will exceed the greatest expectations. Not surprisingly, after reading this fascinating and comprehensively clear book, I am duly impressed, as you likely will be … this book adds to a wealth of previous works in animal conservation, behaviour, ecology, effects of human impacts, genetics and population biology. This volume will be a welcome addition to any reference library and particularly is recommended for the library of al conservation-minded students interested in this unique group of mammals.' The Ecological Society of Americas

Dugongs and manatees, the only fully aquatic herbivorous mammals, live in the coastal waters, rivers and lakes of more than 80 subtropical and tropical countries. Symbols of fierce conservation battles, sirenian populations are threatened by multiple global problems. Providing comparative information on all four surviving species, this book synthesises the ecological and related knowledge pertinent to understanding the biology and conservation of the sirenia. It presents detailed scientific summaries, covering sirenian feeding biology; reproduction and population dynamics; behavioural ecology; habitat requirements and threats to their continued existence. Outlining the current conservation status of the sirenian taxa, this unique study will equip researchers and professionals with the scientific knowledge required to develop proactive, precautionary and achievable strategies to conserve dugongs and manatees. Supplementary material is available online at: www.cambridge.org/9780521888288.

Foreword John G. Robinson
Preface
Acknowledgements
Frontispiece
1. Introduction
2. Steller's sea cow: discovery, biology and exploitation of a relict giant sirenian
3. Affinities, origins and diversity of the sirenia through time
4. Feeding biology
5. Behaviour and habitat use
6. Life history, reproductive biology and population dynamics
7. Threats
8. Conservation status: criteria, methods and an assessment of the extant species of sirenia
9. Conservation opportunities
References
List of online supplementary materials
Index.

Subject Areas: Zoology & animal sciences [PSV], Botany & plant sciences [PST], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]