Amazonian Manatee

Capturing the Amazonian Manatee requires specialized equipment, as these animals spend almost their entire lives submerged in murky river water. For the best results, use an underwater action camera or a trail camera with a high-quality waterproof housing. Mount your camera on a submerged post or heavy anchor near floating mats of aquatic vegetation like water hyacinths, which are a primary food source. Position the lens to face horizontally about 0.5 to 1 metre below the surface to catch them as they graze.

If you are setting up a camera along a riverbank or on a private dock, focus your 'backyard' setup on the water's surface. Manatees must surface to breathe every few minutes, usually exposing only their nostrils and upper snout. A camera with a fast trigger speed and high-frame-rate video capability is essential to capture these brief moments. Avoid using bright white flashes at night; instead, opt for No-Glow infrared LEDs to prevent startling these shy creatures, as they have sensitive eyes and a cautious temperament.

Seasonality is your best friend when tracking this species. During the dry season (the 'vasante'), manatees are forced into deeper permanent lakes and main river channels. This concentration makes them far easier to locate and film than during the flood season when they disperse deep into the flooded rainforest. Look for 'bubbles' or circular ripples on the surface, often called 'manatee footprints,' which indicate a submerged individual moving just below. Set your AI camera to trigger on movement at the water's edge, as they often approach the shore to reach overhanging terrestrial grasses.