Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Sirenia

Despite their rich fossil history, there are only four surviving species of sirenians or sea cows, the only fully aquatic herbivorous mammals. The three species of manatees and the dugong live in the coastal waters rivers and lakes of more than 80 tropical and subtropical countries and are all on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Ethology and Behavioral Ecology of Sirenia examines sirenian conservation biology through the lens of their behavioural ecology and ethology. Sirenian feeding, diving, movement, and social and reproductive behaviours are reviewed by an international team of scientists from eight countries, with an emphasis on data gathered in the past 15 years.

Preface to the series
Preface to this volume

Ch. 1. What can we infer about the behavior of extinct sirenians?
Ch. 2. Sensory and morphological adaptation for an aquatic lifestyle
Ch. 3. Diving and foraging behaviors
Ch. 4. Social and reproductive behaviors
Ch. 5. Movement behaviors
Ch. 6. Historical and current interactions with humans from the perspective of sirenian ethology and behavioral ecology
Ch. 7. Likely impacts of climate change on sirenian behavior
Ch. 8. Implications of sirenian behavior for conservation and management