In a flooded cave system in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán peninsula, a manatee mother swims up to cave diver Klaus Thymann, who captured stunning footage and images of these endangered mammals living in a unique, under-explored habitat. Unfortunately, this manatee’s near-pristine home is already at risk.
Increased development and a new train line to the peninsula, an already popular tourist destination owing to its unique landscape and Mayan ruins, are increasing human activity and bringing with them a multitude of threats. Pollutants such as petrol or burnt garbage are entering the water system, and treated sewage water is being injected into the groundwater that feeds into the cave aquifer system, further deteriorating water quality.
But there is hope, says Thymann, and documenting this dense habitat of underwater caves may be the first step in protecting the manatees that live there.
