Abstract

The Antillean manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus, stands out as the most endangered marine mammal in the insular Caribbean and is considered critically endangered in the Dominican Republic since 2011. In the coastal town of Bayahibe, adjacent to the Southeastern Reefs Marine Sanctuary (SAMAR), the community is sensitized to marine conservation thanks to the environmental education work carried out by the Dominican Foundation for Marine Studies (FUNDEMAR). Since 2006, FUNDEMAR has been keeping a record of sightings of marine mammals in the area, highlighting the presence of the Antillean manatee. To obtain spatiotemporal data on this population, an experimental design was developed to monitor this population throughout one year with the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle, or drone, in Bayahibe, operating three flights per day, three days per week and three weeks per month, which were randomly determined. Additionally, disturbances due to human activities were recorded, which could interfere with the presence of manatees, as well as factors corresponding to climatic conditions. From February 2023 to February 2024, 36 sightings of 1 to 2 individuals (adults or mother with calf) were recorded. Areas of passage and preferred occupation, seasons, and time of day, are highlighted. These field observations allow scientists and conservation practitioners to document patterns and preferences of the species, to inform authorities about the needs of local and national manatee conservation policies.