Environment group warns against reducing manatees' endangered status

US government move to downgrade the conservation status of manatees and green sea turtles is premature, group says, despite signs species are recovering

A US government move to downgrade the conservation status of manatees and green sea turtles is premature, an environment group has warned, despite encouraging signs that both species are recovering.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed that the West Indian manatee be down-listed from endangered to threatened under the endangered species act. The move follows a notable recovery in manatee numbers - in 1991, it was estimated there were just 1,267 of the hefty aquatic beasts off the coast of Florida.