Compared to cetaceans, they are slower swimmers, inhabit shallower waters, are more solitary, and are more stationary feeders. These factors should make field observation and recording of focal animals possible for extended time periods. Theoretically, this extensive maternal investment combined with the observance of mother-calf separation, provide for the possibility of vocal signatures. If the vocal signature hypothesis is supported, this study may lead to further analysis of distinctiveness within and among other individual manatees, and between populations or sub-species. Sirenian International, Inc. Updated 5 March 2001.
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