Just in from the Field: Manatees by Ben Horton

Photographer Ben Horton on his coverage:

“Manatees are in the midst of a huge struggle. Human interaction has proven highly detrimental to the animals, and in all but a few places they have retreated to very remote locations where they are left alone. While photographing the West Indian Manatee I saw that the majority of the animals were horribly scarred from their run-ins with boats. As a result, this project is about creating affection for the manatees. When people start to fall in love with a creature, they may become more involved in their protection.

My trip to Florida was also the first step in a longer scheme – I wanted to see just what it takes to get a good photo of the manatees in ideal circumstances. I’m currently working with UCSD students to create the world’s first underwater camera trap that will first be tested in Florida, and then put to use in remote locations around the world.

The photos we get will help scientists study the animals that shy away from human interaction, and it will give us an idea of their numbers, health, and threats just as camera traps on land reveal more about the secret lives of animals than the occasional sighting might.”

Head to National Geographic Stock to see more of Ben’s manatee images