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Status: Threatened
The Nishsystir manatee (Trichechus manulabrum - "handlip") is a species of manatee endemic to the mangroves, estuaries, and seagrass meadows of the Mossfell archipelago. Named after the dense mangroves of the Nishsystir island cluster, these sirenians are found along nearly all the islands ands seamounts of the Mossfells, save for the northern reaches of Gasmensyi and Tyrkimani. Like manatees found along mainland North America, these gentle giants are herbivorous and docile.
Adult Nishsystir manatees are smaller than their relatives, only growing to 9 feet in length and up to 700 lbs. Females tend to be larger and heavier than males.
Unlike other members of the genus Trichechus, Nishsystir manatees possess a unique adaptation. These manatees have an enlarged muscular lip on both sides, giving the impression of a fleshy moustache. These lips are highly dexterous, enabling the Nishsystir manatee to pull seagrasses out of ocean sediment easily.
This adaptation has been mostly observed in individuals living in dense mangrove environments. Nishsystir manatees can stick their heads out of the water and use their muscular lips to browse for vegetation and fruits among the mangroves. Similar behavior has been observed in West-Indian manatees frequently, but the Nishsystir manatee has perfected it. The muscular lip appears to have become a prominent adaptation in the presence of large mangrove fruiting trees such as the sailtree and coastal Idunn apples.
Nishsystir manatees are currently considered threatened due to boat strikes, pollution, and red tide blooms. As of 2022 alone, 112 Nishsystir manatees were killed by a single red tide which lasted from early March to Late May. Severe die-offs of seagrass due to changes in water temperature have also been associated with manatee starvation and death. Currently, Nishsystir manatee numbers are stable, but it may only be a matter of time before they also begin to suffer the effects of climate change.
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