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During a Manatee Estrous (Mating Herd)
During a Manatee Estrous (Mating Herd)
Mark of SRQ


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Off-Centered Subject IV (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-7D
Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM II
Location: Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL
Date: Sep 15, 2012
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 100
Shutter: 1/500
Date Uploaded: Sep 16, 2012

 There were about a dozen more manatees in the area.

From www.savethemanatee.org:

Manatees do not form permanent pair bonds like some animal species. During breeding, a single female or cow, will be followed by a group of a dozen or more males or bulls, forming a mating herd. They appear to breed indiscriminately during this time; however, age experience of some males in the herd probably plays a role in breeding success. Although breeding and birth may occur at any time during the year, there appears to be a broad spring-summer calving peak.

When a female manatee goes into estrus, she is soon detected and pursued by numerous male manatees throughout the cycle (perhaps for a duration of up to three weeks). During that time, the female can mate with one or more males in what is known as an estrous or mating herd. That's why scientists generally don't know who the father of a calf is.

Many times, we will get phone calls at Save the Manatee Club notifying us that a group of manatees are "playing." Sometimes people also call because they are concerned that the manatees in the estrous herd are injured, stranded, or in distress. In actuality, a mating herd is sort of a free-for-all. In shallower waters, the effect can be quite dramatic with churning waters and flailing flukes and flippers.

Manatee researchers are currently taking genetic samples of manatees (the animals are not harmed). Someday they hope to be able to establish paternity, which will help in determining the genetic health of the manatee population.

Statistics
Place: 63 out of 108
Avg (all users): 5.5455
Avg (commenters): 6.2000
Avg (participants): 5.4118
Avg (non-participants): 5.6875
Views since voting: 580
Views during voting: 197
Votes: 99
Comments: 6
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 Comments Made During the Challenge
Sony DSLR-A580
Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED
 09/23/2012 08:03:05 PM
This must have been fascinating to witness. Nice capture. Voted earlier.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
 09/22/2012 10:45:30 PM
Good documentary photo. I would have no idea that this was a part of the mating ritual of the manatee if the title were not there. This looks like a manatee on a log and having two faces showing would have strengthened the message somewhat.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon D90
Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
 09/20/2012 01:58:45 AM
Manatee porn... Oh my eyes :) Very nice shot!! You should submitt it to Playmanatee... oh sorry I'll quit now.. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon Z6II
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
 09/19/2012 12:27:08 PM
I like the details and the colours of the animal, but I think the sea is just too bright and could have used a little bit more contrast.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Canon EOS-5D Mark IV
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 USM
 09/17/2012 09:34:00 AM
That is amazing!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
Nikon Z8
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S
 09/17/2012 06:19:22 AM
very cool capture - i just wish it was not slightly overexposed
  Photographer found comment helpful.
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