Description
2024 Save Manatees
• Promotes conservation efforts of the West Indian manatee
History the stamp represents: Manatees are large, aquatic marine mammals weighing up to 1,300 pounds and measuring up to 13 feet long. They have paddle-like tails, two flippers, and are fairly slow-moving. There are three known species of manatee: Amazonian, West Indian, and West African. The United States is home to the West Indian manatee, found mostly in Florida.
Habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities all threaten manatee populations. That’s why nonprofit organizations like Save the Manatee Club (SMC) have made it their mission to help. They work with scientists and communities around the world to spread awareness and provide support to rescue and rehabilitation organizations.
According to SMC, there are some simple ways humans can help manatees. One is by slowing down while boating. Propeller strikes are a major cause of injury to manatees, with many adults displaying large scars from these accidents. It is also important to give manatees space if swimming near them. Stay at least one body length away and do not swim over top of them or touch them. And do not give them anything to eat or drink. If you see an injured or sick manatee while in Florida, contact the Save the Manatee Club to report it. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help protect manatees from extinction.
5 Books of 100 First-Class Forever® USPS postage stamps. *The slash over “Forever” in the image is to protect it from being used to produce counterfeit postage. Actual stamps will not have this.
