Manejo e hábitos alimentares de peixes-bois marinhos (Trichechus manatus) mantidos em cativeiro para reabilitação e soltura

Abstract

The American manatee is one of the most endangered marine mammals in Brazil. The Association for Research and Preservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (AQUASIS) has been active in the conservation and rehabilitation of this species and other marine animals since 1994. The internship took place in the Centre for Rehabilitation of Aquatic Mammals, located in the county of Caucaia, during the months of August to October 2016. Activities were carried out in the area of food management and biometric evaluation, where the practices were accompanied from preparation of the bottles and food, as well as weighing and body measurements. In addition to routine practices, there were also sporadic practices, depending on the situation, such as: beach monitoring (every 20 days), necropsies and rescues (according to the occurrence of stranding). The experiences gained during the supervised internship were of great value to my academic and professional training, where I was able to put into practice some of the content seen in the classroom. In addition to new knowledge, experiences and information that cannot be given in the classroom or through books, because only the practice prepares us for the challenges imposed daily in the field.