In Search of 'Mamiwata'

Mamiwata is an African name for a spirit believed to be embodied by the manatee. This blog chronicles my search for the elusive African manatee, and my exploration to understand its biology, habitat and preservation needs, economic and cultural significance. So little is known about this animal, yet it is intensely hunted almost everywhere it exists and may already be gone from much of its previous range. In 2006 I was inspired to go find and study them, starting in Gabon.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

This is the area of Gabon that I'm working in. Libreville (capital) is off the map to the north. I'm currently in Mayumba, next week I'll visit Kango and Lambarene, then probably go to Iguela and Sette Cama for several weeks each. There are very few roads, so we'll mostly fly from site to site.