State’s beloved but under-pressure sea cows were barely recorded in the area before seas warmed in the late 1700s

Summary

New research reveals that Florida’s manatees are not native to the state, arriving only after the Little Ice Age ended in the late 1700s, when warmer waters became available.

Historical and archaeological records show manatees were rare in Florida prior to this period, challenging assumptions about their long-standing presence.

As climate change threatens manatee habitats, researchers suggest using historical baselines to guide conservation efforts.

Advocacy groups are urging stronger protections, including restoring the manatee’s “endangered” status, as warm-water refuges diminish due to the closure of fossil fuel plants.