Manatees display diel trends in acoustic activity at two microhabitats in Belize

Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Belize exhibit distinct diel trends in acoustic activity, with call production rates influenced by environmental factors and boat presence. A study analyzing 370 hours of hydrophone recordings from two resting holes off St. George's Caye revealed no significant differences in call frequency between sites but noted a decrease in tonal calls post-sunset and an increase during boat presence. These findings suggest that manatee activity patterns are shaped by their microhabitat, providing critical insights for conservation efforts in the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.

Brady, B., Sarbacker, C., Lasala, J. A., Maust-Mohl, M., Collom, K. A., Searle, L., May-Collado, L. J., & Ramos, E. A. (2023). Manatees display diel trends in acoustic activity at two microhabitats in Belize. Plos One, 18(11), e0294600. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294600