Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
The African manatee, a species facing severe survival challenges, is at the heart of a new conservation effort spearheaded by the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZCF).
The African Manatee Conservation Project was launched to address the numerous threats these creatures face in West Africa. The National Aquarium has recently committed to an annual contribution of $25,000 to conservation for the mammals.
These funds, generated by the aquarium's Manatee Retail Shop, are managed by MBZCF in partnership with the African Aquatic Conservation Fund (AACF), an NGO with over a decade of experience in aquatic mammal conservation across 19 West African countries.
"We are proud to collaborate with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and the African Aquatic Conservation Fund on this vital project. By combining our resources and expertise, we can make significant strides in protecting the African manatee and preserving the biodiversity of West Africa," said Paul Hamilton, General Manager at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.
Back in April, two African manatees were brought to their new home at the National Aquarium. The aquarium now serves as one of the rare global locations where this vulnerable species can be observed and studied, positioning itself as a key player in manatee conservation.
African manatees face a myriad of challenges that threaten their survival. Habitat destruction due to coastal development, deforestation, and dam construction have significantly reduced the areas where they can live and feed.
Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste contaminates their waters, affecting their health and food sources. Illegal hunting for their meat and body parts further depletes their population.
Additionally, accidental entanglement in fishing nets often leads to injuries or death. The issues are only exacerbated by climate change altering water temperatures and weather patterns, disrupting their natural habitats and food supply.
Within the projects scope is focus on research into the manatees' population genetics, acoustics, feeding ecology, and physiology; aspects crucial for understanding and mitigating the threats the animals face.
Support will be extended to at least ten researchers and African graduate students, covering expenses for fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and international conference travel. In the summer of 2024, the project will commence fieldwork at the Koulountou River in southern Senegal to study newly discovered manatee populations and assess their habitat use and potential threats.
Further fieldwork in winter 2025 along the Senegal and Niger Rivers will gather data on inland manatee populations, their diet, and ecological roles, providing critical insights for future conservation strategies.
The project will also focus on community by engaging local communities in Senegal and Guinea through outreach programs aimed at manatee conservation.
The hope is that by integrating the knowledge and perspectives of local inhabitants, including insights on manatee habitats, behaviour, threats, and folklore, the project ensures culturally sensitive and informed conservation strategies.
Young biologists from Senegal and Guinea will play crucial roles, contributing significantly to the project while gaining valuable experience.
Looking ahead, the African Manatee Conservation Project envisions the creation of the African Manatee Alliance (AMA), a regional network aimed at enhancing collaboration among researchers and conservationists across the species' range.
This network will aim to facilitate shared knowledge, coordinated conservation actions, and fundraising for future initiatives, ensuring sustained efforts for the long-term survival of Manatees.
