Where boat traffic is heavy, manatees are often injured or killed by boat propellers. They are mostly protected by law because of their usefulness in keeping waterways clear of aquatic vegetation. The West African manatee depends on the mangrove habitat. However, very little is known about the West African manatee, as they have not been widely studied. Apart from the manatees, the most characteristic species of the mangroves are the seabirds.
Mangroves are an ideal sanctuary for birds, some of which are migratory.
Closed mangrove forests provide a secure nesting and feeding habitat for a variety of waders, terns and flycatchers. According to FAO, the total list of mangrove bird species from 150 to 250 species. Thus, reserves in the mangroves have turned bird watcher's paradises where tourists can observe pelicans, pink flamingos, storks and other birds. The ecosystem Precise data on global mangrove resources are scarce. The majority of the subtropical and tropical coastline is dominated by mangroves.