A manatee restricted to the fresh waters of the Amazon River system, with thick dark-gray skin and a pale belly patch.
It has thick, dark-gray skin with a white or pinkish patch on its belly.
Amazonian Manatees eat aquatic plants in rivers, lakes and flooded forests. Seasonal rising water expands feeding and movement opportunities, informing release planning.
In April 2025, INPA and AMPA reported health examinations of thirteen animals in a semi-natural lake, where they readapted to feeding and swimming in murky water.
ICMBio guidance for Amazonas favours the beginning of rising water, when plants and flooded habitat become available. Planning also includes community follow-up.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
Hunting is a major threat and can leave orphaned calves. Conservation combines rescue, rehabilitation, acclimation, assessment of food and hunting risks, and monitoring after release.