Final answer:
The West Indian Manatee is a species of manatee native to the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its large size and herbivorous diet. The species is currently listed as vulnerable due to various threats.
Step-by-step explanation:
The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is a species of manatee that is native to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also found in various coastal areas including rivers, estuaries, and saltwater lagoons. The West Indian manatee is known for its large size, reaching up to 13 feet in length and 3,500 pounds in weight.
This species is herbivorous, feeding primarily on seagrass, vegetation, and algae. It is currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to threats such as habitat loss, pollution, boat strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve the West Indian manatee.