Ecology and conservation of the Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis) from the perspective of fishers on the Purus River, Central Amazon: agreements and contrasts with scientific literatureA lifetime of near-daily observations, as opposed to scientific sampling expeditions that are often limited in time and space, makes Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) an extremely valuable source of information for understanding rare, threatened, or cryptic species. This study documents LEK about the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) in the Purus River basin, Central Amazon. Based on interviews with 104 residents from 30 riverine communities, we access local manatee experts’ perceptions of social behavior, activity patterns, habitat use, diet, and species conservation. LEK provided insights into Amazonian manatee ecology, such as the persistence of manatees in floodplain environments during the low-water season and occasional fish consumption. The main threats reported were fishing nets and hunting. However, extreme drought events driven by climate change were frequently mentioned, as these increase vulnerability to both hunting and food shortages. Most respondents strongly valued the role of Protected Areas in species protection and perceived a trend of population increase over the past two decades. Incorporating community-based observations and concerns into conservation strategies can therefore improve early-warning systems, guide habitat protection efforts, and support management of T. inunguis across protected and non-protected areas.
KEYWORDS:
aquatic mammals; local ecological knowledge; protected areas; Sirenia; vulnerable species
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