In Colombia, the Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus) primarily inhabits the Sinú, Magdalena, and Atrato rivers, as well as associated wetlands like the Betancí (Córdoba) and Zapatosa (between Cesar and Magdalena) swamps, where it finds food and shelter.
It is an herbivore that consumes aquatic plants such as water hyacinths and seagrass. It is classified as Critically Endangered. Habitat loss is one of its main problems, exacerbated by the construction of dams like Urrá on the Sinú River, which has fragmented its ecosystems. This has altered its migration routes and reduced access to food and shelter. Pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban waste is degrading the quality of the waters it inhabits.
Additionally, manatees are victims of collisions with boats, poaching for their meat and fat, and incidental capture in fishing nets.
Although there are conservation efforts such as rescue, reintroduction programs, and community awareness initiatives led by the Ministry of Environment and local organizations, caring for the species presents many challenges.
Photo: Cabildo Verde / Sabana de Torres
Environmental education has fostered the appreciation of this species in some regions, but stricter measures are needed to regulate fishing.
Meanwhile, in the region, the Manatee Stranding Network of the Magdalena Medio (RVM) operates with the goal of addressing emergencies involving individuals of the species Trichechus manatus manatus, which is classified as Endangered according to resolutions and concepts from the Red Book of Mammals of Colombia, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.
Since 2010, efforts had been underway to address emergencies in Santander. In this context, the Stranding Network took its first steps in 2021, with the endorsement of local fishing communities, the Santander Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAS), the Barrancabermeja Mayor's Office, and the leadership of the Cabildo Verde Foundation and WCS Colombia.
Photo: Katherine Arévalo-González
Now, the Network begins a new phase, not only because it consolidates the mentioned support but also because it is joined by the support of the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Central Antioquia (Corantioquia) and the mayor's offices of Puerto Parra and Sabana de Torres in Santander, and Simití (southern Bolívar).
The residents know they can rely on the Network when they recognize that a manatee is in trouble. It is enough to report the incident to the number 322-9838738, which functions as an emergency line, like 911. With photos or audios, and through WhatsApp, they can describe the details of any situation. Community members have also been trained and informed on how to act in any specific circumstances.
Traslated with AI support