Paper short abstract:

Manatees have historically been use as food elements and with medical and religious purposes in West Africa. History and tradition play an important role in local communities, and understanding past uses of natural resources may be a step towards conservation of this vulnerable species.

Paper long abstract:

The West African manatee, Trichechus senegalensis, is presently an endangered species due to severe reduction and fragmentation of its habitat and to continuous overtime exploitation and use in several regions of West Africa. Manatees have historically been perceived as an easy and valuable resource as they provided a different food sources for early modern sailors and explorers roaming Atlantic waters. They were also considered historically as magical beings and were used both symbolically and materially in religious cults. Still today in West Africa, some parts of the animals (such as the heart) are used in ritual ceremonies, or as a traditional medicine, and are an important natural element for local communities. In these regions, the hunt of the manatee is also a tradition passed from the father to the son. Despite the increasing conservations measures and its international conservation status, West African manatees are still being captured for consumption in several West African countries. Early modern and recent literature here analysed often describes manatees as monstrous animals, and this type of description perpetuated over time does not inspire the kind of imagery necessary to elicit support based on aesthetics. Out study shows that manatees are sometimes mistaken by mermaids or water spirits which places them even further from an earthly reality. History and tradition play an important role in local communities, and being aware of the past uses of natural resources may be a step in developing and applying new conservation programs.