African Manatee Presence Confirmed in Republic of Congo's Kouilou River

Scientific efforts have definitively established the presence of the African manatee, *Trichechus senegalensis*, within the Kouilou River system in the Republic of Congo. This verification marks a significant development for the conservation of this vulnerable aquatic mammal, which is globally recognized as the least studied of the Sirenians. The species, currently listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, typically occupies shallow coastal areas and extensive river networks stretching from Senegal down to Angola.

The confirmation resulted from a collaborative initiative involving the Mallorcan association Tursiops and the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). This partnership directly supports the strategic expansion of the Tchinpounga Natural Reserve, a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) in southern Congo managed in conjunction with the Congolese Government. Researchers documented direct visual encounters, including the observation of a mother and calf pair, despite the inherent difficulty presented by the river's naturally turbid water conditions.

To overcome the limitations of visual surveys in murky environments, the Tursiops team integrated advanced methodologies. These included the use of hydrophones for bioacoustic data acquisition and the rigorous training of local personnel. Further corroboration of the manatee's existence in the Kouilou River was achieved through studies conducted in 2025 that utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and submerged camera systems. The successful application of eDNA is notable, as this non-invasive technique has proven effective in detecting cryptic species in waters where visual surveys are inconclusive.

This finding represents a scientifically novel confirmation for this specific stretch of the Kouilou River, underscoring the ecological importance and fragility of the species in the region. The African manatee, which can reach weights up to 400 kg and live for at least 39 years, faces multiple threats across its range, including poaching, accidental capture in fishing nets, and habitat degradation from dam construction and agricultural expansion. The Tchinpounga KBA, which hosts the manatees, is also subject to potential threats from recently approved mining concessions, which necessitates strict anti-poaching measures.

Conservation strategies are being proposed that specifically advocate for the establishment of motorboat exclusion zones within the river system to mitigate human disturbance. Understanding the distribution and habitat use of this elusive species is paramount for effective management. The localized data gathered from the Kouilou River confirmation will now inform broader conservation planning for *Trichechus senegalensis* throughout Central Africa.