Detecting an elusive species
The case of the African manatee
The African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is Africa’s least-studied large mammal, while at the same time being a red-listed species, threatened by extinction. This species typically lives in very murky waters, making it difficult to spot by eye, increasing the need for an efficient detection method to save this critical species.
Hidden Giants
Finding the African manatee
Species that are rapidly declining or threatened by extinction are in need of rapid detection techniques, to facilitate the implementation of conservation measures. The African manatee, Africa’s least-studied large mammal, requires additional monitoring efforts to help enforce conservation measures. Currently not enough is known about the species’ biology and distribution range, making it extremely difficult to implement protective measures. Given the murky waters it lives in, monitoring through our rapid testing approach has shown to be promising to help protect this elusive species. Learn more about how our first ever demonstration of a rapid field-ready test enabled the detection of this hidden creature.