Stable Isotope Data of American Manatees and Food Sources

This study investigated spatial variation in the trophic ecology of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) across three regions of the Brazilian coast (Northern Coast, Dry-Northeastern Coast, and Humid-Northeastern Coast). Tooth and bone samples from stranded or deceased manatees (1989–2018) and plant resources (2011–2013) were analyzed for δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values. Stable isotope analyses were conducted using mass spectrometry, and Bayesian mixing models estimated diet composition. Results revealed marked regional dietary differences, with manatees relying on saltmarsh plants in the North, seagrasses in the Dry-NEC, and macroalgae in the Humid-NEC. Isotopic niche breadth and isoscape mapping highlighted habitat use patterns and resource diversity, informing conservation strategies and the establishment of marine protected areas. A metadata archive and two datasets in .csv format are provided: one containing isotopic values and metadata for manatee samples, and another with isotopic values and collection information for food resources from multiple coastal sites.