We know manatees to be important fixtures in Florida, but new research has suggested that they might be relatively recent arrivals to the Sunshine State. For centuries, manatees may have swum in Florida waters occasionally before returning to their permanent homes in the Caribbean.

Manatees are a bit like the Sunshine State's transplants: they recently moved there, attracted by the warm weather and human development. But the same changes that brought them there could lead to their demise.

New research suggests that while manatees are an indelible part of Florida’s seascape, they might also be relatively new residents in the Sunshine State. The findings are detailed in a study co-authored by University of South Florida anthropologist Thomas Pluckhahn and David Thulman,

New research suggests that while manatees are an indelible part of Florida's seascape, they might also be relatively new residents in the Sunshine State.

Historic accounts reveal manatee populations increased in the 1800s and 1900s alongside human populations. A new study highlights that Florida manatees are more numerous now than ever before, likely due to improved conservation efforts and environmental changes.

Florida’s manatees are as much a part of the state’s seascape as flamingoes, dolphins, reef fish, and smelly seaweed. However, these gentle “sea cows” might have arrived in the state fairly recently.

Manatees are iconic and beloved Florida creatures. But they might be relatively new residents of the Sunshine State. Research published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One suggests Florida’s manatee populations were once much smaller than they are today.