Aristide Kamla, a determined student with big ambitions, ventured to Lake Ossa in Cameroon with hopes of studying the elusive African manatee. Despite numerous challenges, including a lack of funding, Kamla’s dedication and the invaluable insights of local fishermen propelled him to success. His work has since become pivotal in understanding and conserving this enigmatic species.
The African Manatee: A Hidden Gem of Central Africa
The African manatee, often referred to as Mamowata by locals, is a rare and elusive creature that thrives in the murky waters of Central Africa. Despite its large size, this aquatic mammal remains incredibly difficult to spot, making conservation efforts particularly challenging. With whisker-like hairs known as vibrissae, the manatee expertly navigates its environment, using its unique senses to survive in conditions that are often inhospitable to humans.
Kamla’s journey into the world of manatees began with a sense of calling. Growing up in the mountainous regions of Cameroon, far from any large bodies of water, his fascination with aquatic life was a departure from his upbringing. His mother’s warnings about water spirits added an element of mystique to his eventual encounters with the manatee, a creature many locals regard as a magical being.
What is The African Manatee’s Unique Traits?
Manatees, often confused with walruses due to their size and aquatic lifestyle, share a closer genetic link with elephants. Their muscular upper lips and “marching molars” are designed for a herbivorous diet, but the African manatee has a broader palate that includes mollusks and fish. This diet sets it apart from its relatives, the West Indian and Amazonian manatees, and reflects its adaptability to diverse ecosystems.
African manatees inhabit a vast range, from the Senegal River to Angola, covering over 21 countries. Their habitats are as varied as the species itself, spanning equatorial rainforests, rivers bordering the Sahara, and the marine waters of West Africa. Despite their wide distribution, these manatees face numerous threats, including poaching, habitat loss due to dams, and being trapped as bycatch.
Conservation Efforts and Emerging Challenges
Conservationists like Kamla and Lucy Keith-Diagne have dedicated their lives to studying and protecting the African manatee. Their efforts have been instrumental in documenting the threats these animals face, from illegal poaching to the devastating impact of dams that isolate manatee populations. Keith-Diagne’s pioneering use of genetic testing and environmental DNA (eDNA) has revolutionized how researchers study these elusive creatures, leading to critical discoveries about their population distribution and genetic diversity.
Despite these advancements, new challenges continually emerge. In Lake Ossa, where Kamla began his work, an invasive aquatic fern, giant salvinia, has become a significant threat, choking the lake’s surface and disrupting both manatee populations and local fishing communities. Kamla’s innovative approach to controlling this invasive species, using the salvinia weevil, has led to a 90% reduction in the fern’s coverage, earning him the prestigious Whitley Award.
A Future of Hope for the African Manatee
The Whitley Award has provided Kamla with the resources needed to further his conservation efforts. His plans include deploying acoustic sensors to monitor illegal logging activities and developing sustainable livelihood options for local communities, such as aquaculture and ecotourism. These initiatives aim to protect not only the manatees but also the delicate ecosystems they inhabit.
Kamla’s journey from a young student with limited resources to an internationally recognized conservationist is a testament to the power of dedication and innovation. His story, and the broader efforts to conserve the African manatee, highlight the importance of community involvement, advanced research techniques, and unwavering commitment to preserving the natural world.
