The African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) is a seasonally migratory species whose distribution in the Ouémé Valley of southern Benin is strongly influenced by fluctuations in river depth. This study aims to map critical habitats for the species’ survival and to analyze its migration strategies within the Ouémé River Valley. Data were collected between April and May 2022 through structured interviews with 401 community members, including fishers, hunters, farmers, and women across 52 villages