Scientific publication on the critical habitat of manatees supported by YAQU PACHA

YAQU PACHA is pleased to support the publication of the new scientific study on manatees:

“Habitat suitability for a unique, fully marine American manatee population depends primarily on the presence of submarine freshwater springs.”

This important research shows that a unique population of American manatees in northeastern Brazil is highly dependent on undersea freshwater springs.

• Only a small portion of the coastal region currently provides suitable habitat.
• The suitability of the habitat declines rapidly with increasing distance from freshwater sources.

The study underscores the importance of protecting freshwater supplies, seagrass beds, and sensitive coastal ecosystems in the face of increasing environmental pressures.

For YAQU PACHA, science plays a fundamental role in conservation—it helps us better understand species, habitats, and future challenges.

The research initiative was led and coordinated by the Alliance for Manatees and the Marine Mammal Research Unit.

This research project was supported by Duisburg Zoo, Zoomarine Algarve, and Nuremberg Zoo.

Marine Mammal Science – 2026 – Meirelles – Habitat Suitability for a Unique, Fully Marine American Manatee (Trichechus ) (PDF)