Tag Archives: African Manatee Conservation Project

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZSCF), is proud to announce the commencement of groundwork in West Africa for the ‘African Manatee Conservation Project’. This vital initiative was announced during the curtain drop event on the 3rd of April 2024, where two African Manatees were introduced into their new home at the Aquarium. As one of the select locations globally where the African Manatee species can be observed and studied, the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi now plays a pivotal role in advancing conservation efforts for this vulnerable species in West Africa. The National Aquarium commits to an annual contribution of US$25,000 to sustain this project, sourced from proceeds generated by its Manatee Retail Shop. These funds are managed by MBZSCF in collaboration with the African Aquatic Conservation Fund (AACF), a seasoned NGO with over a decade of expertise in aquatic mammal conservation across 19 countries in West Africa. AACF strategically allocates these resources towards extensive research, conservation, and educational outreach initiatives, with a focused objective of safeguarding vulnerable African manatee populations in their natural habitats in Senegal and Guinea. The African Manatee Conservation Project will focus on several key areas, including in-depth studies on the manatees’ population genetics, acoustics, feeding ecology, and physiology. This research is crucial for understanding the threats these manatees face and developing strategies to mitigate them. Additionally, the project will provide support for at least ten researchers and African graduate students, covering essential expenses such as fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and travel to present their findings at international conferences. The project also prioritizes community involvement and education, actively engaging local communities in Senegal and Guinea through outreach programs …

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