Distribution and conservation of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Catazaja wetlands of northeast Chiapas, Mexico
-
Published source details
Rodas-Trejo J., Romero-Berny E.I. & Estrada A. (2008) Distribution and conservation of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Catazaja wetlands of northeast Chiapas, Mexico. Tropical Conservation Science, 1, 321-333.
Published source details Rodas-Trejo J., Romero-Berny E.I. & Estrada A. (2008) Distribution and conservation of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the Catazaja wetlands of northeast Chiapas, Mexico. Tropical Conservation Science, 1, 321-333.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
|
Engage policymakers to make policy changes beneficial to marine and freshwater mammals Action Link |
 |
-
Engage policymakers to make policy changes beneficial to marine and freshwater mammals
A study in 2001–2008 in the Catazajá wetlands, northeast Chiapas, Mexico (Rodas-Trejo et al. 2008) reported that engaging policymakers in West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus manatus conservation resulted in the designation of a protected area. Policymakers were engaged in manatee conservation over a seven-year period in 2001–2007. In November 2006, wetlands (41,000 ha) used by West Indian manatees were designated as a protected area by local and regional governments. In February 2008, the area was designated as an internationally important site. In 2001–2007, local government officials, fishers and students were informed about the value of conserving manatees and their habitats. A total of 4,540 participants attended 23 workshops and 80 public talks. Publications on manatee conservation (four posters, five videos, two leaflets, one booklet) were distributed to community government officials and local schools. Local community members assisted researchers in recording manatee sightings and rescuing stranded manatees.
(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)
