GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — University of Florida researchers studying manatees say that despite a growth in population, their outlook remains risky.

A research team from UF and the U.S. Geological Survey studied genetic samples from 362 manatees. The study’s lead author, Kimberly Tucker, says they found that the mammals’ genetic diversity is not sufficient for them to quickly adapt to an ever-changing, often-threatening environment. Low diversity could also signal the potential for future inbreeding problems.