Assessing habitat use and migratory patterns of African manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) in the Ouémé Valley in Benin

The African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is a seasonally migratory species whose distribution in the Ouémé Valley of southern Benin is strongly influenced by fluctuations in river depth. This study aims to map critical habitats for the species’ survival and to analyze its migration strategies within the Ouémé River Valley. Data were collected between April and May 2022 through structured interviews with 401 community members, including fishers, hunters, farmers, and women across 52 villages, complemented by 11 focus group discussions. The surveys focused on migratory periods, site-specific abundance, and movement routes. Spatial data were analyzed using QGIS (version 4.42) to map species distribution and migration pathways. The results indicate that African manatees remain relatively common in the Ouémé River Valley, with notable concentrations in the Porto-Novo Lagoon, along the Ouémé River, and in Lake Hlan. The species is most frequently observed during the rainy season, coinciding with peak migratory activity. Migration patterns follow a south-east to north-east trajectory during the dry season and reverse during the rainy season. These seasonal movements increase the species’ exposure to hunting pressure. The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen community-based conservation measures and targeted awareness-raising initiatives to protect this vulnerable species.