How often do manatees have calves?
A. The reproductive rate for manatees is low. Female manatees are not sexually mature until about five years of age. Males are mature at approximately nine years of age, although some males mature earlier. Intervals between births range from two to five years. However, a two-year interval may occur when a cow loses a calf soon after birth. Q. What is the manatee’s gestation period? A. The gestation period is about one year.
