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Florida Manatees Remain Threatened Amid Environmentalists' Calls

1/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to maintain the Florida manatee's threatened status, despite urgent pleas from environmentalists for an endangered classification. With a population hovering between 8,350 and 11,730, the tragic loss of nearly 2,000 manatees from starvation and habitat destruction in 2021-2022 underscores the urgency of the situation. A public hearing is set for February 26, 2025.

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Story summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to maintain the Florida manatee's threatened status, despite urgent pleas from environmentalists for an endangered classification. With a population hovering between 8,350 and 11,730, the tragic loss of nearly 2,000 manatees from starvation and habitat destruction in 2021-2022 underscores the urgency of the situation. A public hearing is set for February 26, 2025.