The Amazon Manatee Conservation Program began in 2003 at Anavilhanas National Park. Since then, IPÊ’s research team promotes the conservation of the species in the lower Negro River region, by conducting studies with free-living animals, reintroduction projects, and environmental awareness activities.

The lower Rio Negro region, where the Anavilhanas National Park is located, is made up of a mosaic of Conservation Units (UCs), one of the largest continuous areas of environmental protection in the world. This area is also located in the Central Amazon Corridor Biosphere Reserve, recognized as a world natural heritage site by Unesco. The Amazon rainforest in this region is highly biodiverse and an extremely delicate ecosystem due to its acidic and oligotrophic waters (poor in mineral nutrients). Due to its high biodiversity, this region is classified as extremely important for conservation, according to the Ministry of the Environment. Despite the importance of conserving the lower Rio Negro, the degradation of the region has been increasing mainly due to illegal logging, illegal and predatory hunting and pressure from the growth of the city of Manaus.

Despite the threat posed by human activities, the Amazonian manatee is little studied, and the basic characteristics of its biology and ecology are still poorly understood, particularly in the Rio Negro region. Most of the scientific information comes from the Solimões River region and from animals bred in captivity.

Therefore, expanding our knowledge of manatees is essential to promote the conservation of the species. As well as promoting the involvement and awareness of the population regarding the importance of conserving the species and the region, it is of the utmost importance.