SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY GRADE: 10

WHAT ARE MANGROVES?

Mangroves are plants that grow in tidal areas.
The word mangrove can describe a single plant or it can refer to a whole community of plants.
They are halophytes (‘salt-loving”). Most plants can not survive in salty conditions; mangroves
have adaptations to thrive here.

LOCATION OF MANGROVES

Mangroves grow only in the tropics and subtropics. They do not tolerate cold temperatures well.
Freezing temperatures will kill them.
Mangroves grow best in sheltered areas with low wave energies. High wave energies destroy the
shallow root systems of Mangroves. Strong wave action also prevents seedling establishment and
the build-up of fine sediments they need for growth.
TYPES OF MANGROVES
There are about 100 types of mangrove plants around the world. This includes some palms and
ferns

The Red mangrove - Has tall arching roots called prop roots. These supply air to the
underlying roots and provide stability. Found closest to the water as they have the highest
salt tolerance. Dark green elliptical leaves, which are paler underneath. Notice that the
prop root develops from the seed and grows downward.

 Black Mangroves Black/brown bark

Numerous breathing tubes called pneumatophores project from the soil beneath. Grows
on high tide shores.

 The White mangroves - are usually found upland of the red and black mangroves. The
bark is pale and they do not have prop roots or pneumatophores. Each mangrove has its
level of salt tolerance and this determines its location.

WHY ARE MANGROVES IMPORTANT?

1. Mangroves are essential to the food chain. When the leaves fall into the water, nutrients
are released that are needed for the growth of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are the
producers in this and most other oceanic ecosystems.
2.
The leaf detritus also provides food for animals such as worms, snails, mussels, oysters,
shrimp, clams, and mullet.

SUBJECT TEACHER: PHEONA AGARD

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY GRADE: 10

3.
These detritus-eating animals are a source of food for carnivores such as crabs and fish.
These in turn provide food for larger fish, reptiles, and birds.
4.
Mangrove wetlands provide habitat, feeding, breeding, and nursery areas…for a wide
variety of plants and animals, including endangered species.
5.
The roots of the mangrove provide shelter for many fish and other animals. They also
provide an attachment site for many creatures such as sponges and anemones. The trees
themselves provide nesting sites for many birds.

6. Mangroves support several endangered species such as the manatees, brown pelicans,
eastern indigo snake, hawksbill turtle

7.
Act as a buffer against the high winds and eroding waves of storms. The mangroves trap
sediments and prevent them from building up further out to sea, which is damaging to
other ecosystems like coral reefs and sea grasses.
8.
Mangroves can filter out pollutants present in run-off. Nitrates, phosphates, and
petroleum-based microbes in the sediment break the pollutants down.

MANGROVE ADAPTATIONS

 All mangrove plants have special adaptations that allow them to survive in their salty
environment. Their unusual root systems give them support and stability in the loose soil.
There is little oxygen present in these soils and prop roots and pneumatophores allow
them to get oxygen from the air.
 Mangrove plants are unique in that they have live young (viviparous). The seed remains
attached to the parent plant until it germinates. It then falls from the tree and drifts on the
water until it finds somewhere to take root.
 Mangroves can tolerate salt water and out-compete other plants. They excrete salt
through pores in their roots and leaves.

THREATS TO MANGROVES
Human Settlement - Mangrove communities have been significantly reduced as coastal areas
have become more developed

Dredging - can cause flooding of the mangroves. This submerges their air-breathing roots and

SUBJECT TEACHER: PHEONA AGARD

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY GRADE: 10

they can not get enough oxygen and nutrients. Although mangroves filter some pollutants, they
can be seriously damaged by oil spills and herbicides.

MANGROVE CONSERVATION

Mangroves can be reestablished in years if conditions are right. This can be achieved by planting
mangrove seedlings.

Effect of hurricanes
hurricanes have a profound impact on Mangrove communities. Severe erosion and wind damage
can severely restrict growth. In severe cases, areas of mangroves can be destroyed. The picture
shows damage to Florida mangroves by Hurricane Charley.

COMPARISON OF FOREST

Aspect Mangrove Ecosystem Forest Ecosystem

Coastal regions, typically in tropical and Diverse geographic locations, including

Location
subtropical areas. temperate, tropical, and boreal regions.

Dominated by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs Comprised of a variety of tree species th

Vegetation
adapted to brackish water. adapted to freshwater or non-saline soil.

Salty and waterlogged soil with low oxygen Typically, well-drained soil with varying
Soil Type
levels (anoxic conditions). of acidity or alkalinity.

Home to a unique mix of flora and fauna, Supports a diverse range of plant and ani
Biodiversity including salt-tolerant species. Rich in species, including terrestrial mammals, b
specialized species. insects.

Water Subject to daily tidal influence, with a mix of Relies primarily on rainfall and groundw
Conditions saltwater and freshwater. water supply.

Climate Often exposed to high temperatures, high Subject to a wide range of climate condi

SUBJECT TEACHER: PHEONA AGARD

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY GRADE: 10

Aspect Mangrove Ecosystem Forest Ecosystem

humidity, and salt spray. from arid to temperate to tropical.

Provides natural coastal protection by

Forests help prevent soil erosion and lan
Erosion Control dissipating wave energy and stabilizing
maintaining stability on land.
shorelines.

Carbon High carbon sequestration capacity, acting as Effective in sequestering carbon, contrib
Sequestration “blue carbon” sinks. climate change mitigation.

Human Valuable for traditional and economic purposes, Significant for timber production, agricu
Interaction including fisheries, wood, and ecotourism. and recreational activities.

Many mangrove ecosystems face threats and

Conservation Forests globally face deforestation and re
require active conservation and restoration
Efforts extensive conservation efforts.
efforts.

SUBJECT TEACHER: PHEONA AGARD