Wet Life / 10 February, 2013
Parental Bonds
Sirenia | An ancient aquatic mammal
After a whole day waiting, with night falling fast and the final diminishing rays of sunlight, my patience was rewarded as this Manatee mother, Trichechus manatus latirostris, and calf lazily arrived at this enchanted location in search of template waters and fresh grazing. Unfortunately, these huge marine herbivores often known as Sea Cows, have been on the endangered species list for several decades. The preservation and conservation of their estuary habitats represents the only possibility of survival for the decimated populations of these beautiful, majestic yet threatened creatures.
First Prize Winner. Underwater category. GDT 2013 - European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. / First Prize Winner. Mamifères sauvages de pleine nature category. Montier 2013 - Concours Internacional de la Photo Animalière et de Nature. / First Prize Winner. Nature: Underwater category. Montphoto 2013. / First Prize Winner. Stories of Species category. Nature Images Awards 2013 - Melvita.
Crystal River
28°53'19" N | 82°35'21" W
Florida, United States