Mangrove Species: Their Classification, Distribution, and Ecological Importance

The Hidden World of Mangrove Species: A Fascinating Journey

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-513-ECO
Published in 11-03-2024

Mangroves are unique coastal ecosystems, dominated by salt-tolerant trees, which play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity, and the carbon cycle. In this article, we will explore the diversity of mangrove species that exist in the world, their classification, and geographic distribution.

What are mangroves?
Mangroves are coastal forests that develop in intertidal zones, where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the sea. These plants have developed special adaptations to survive extreme conditions, such as high salinity and anaerobic soils.

Classification of mangroves
The classification of mangroves is based on morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics. Although there are different classification systems, one of the most widely used divides mangroves into three main groups:
1- True mangroves: These are species that are exclusively adapted to living in saline environments and are restricted to coastal areas.
2- Associated mangroves: These are species that can tolerate salinity, but are also found in other habitats.
3- Facultative mangroves: These are species that tolerate salinity, but are not strictly dependent on it.

The most significant mangrove species are the following:
Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle): It is found mainly in the tropical and subtropical areas of America, Africa and Oceania.
Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans): From Florida (United States) to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa): From Florida (United States) to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. From Baja California (Mexico) to Peru.
Button Mangrove (Conocarpus erectus): It is found on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of America, from Florida (United States) to Brazil and Peru, respectively. It is also common in the Caribbean islands. In Africa it covers the western coast, from Senegal to Angola, and some islands in the Indian Ocean.
Rhizophora harrisonii: Endemic to certain regions of Mexico.
Avicennia marina: Distributed on the Pacific and Indian coasts.
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza: Common in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Exploring the Rich Diversity of Mangrove Species Worldwide

Photo by Joel Vodell

Mangroves are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, mainly on the coasts of America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. The distribution of each mangrove species is determined by factors such as temperature, salinity, soil type and wave action.

Importance of mangroves
Mangroves are ecosystems of great ecological and economic importance. Some of the benefits they provide include:
Coastal protection: They act as natural barriers against erosion, storms and tsunamis.
Biodiversity: They are the habitat of a wide variety of flora and fauna species, including fish, birds, reptiles and mammals.
Ecosystem services: They regulate water quality, sequester carbon, and provide resources for local communities.

Photo by Azzedine Rouichi

Threats to mangroves
Mangroves face numerous threats, including:
a) Habitat degradation: Caused by the conversion of mangroves to other land uses, such as agriculture, aquaculture and urban development.
b) Climate change: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten the survival of mangroves.
c) Pollution: Industrial and domestic waste discharges affect water quality and the health of mangrove ecosystems.

Conservation of mangroves
Conservation of mangroves is essential to ensure the health of our oceans and the survival of many species. Some actions to protect these ecosystems include:
Protected areas: The creation of reserves and national parks to conserve mangroves.
Restoration: Reforestation of degraded mangroves and recovery of lost areas.
Education and awareness: Informing the population about the importance of mangroves and promoting sustainable practices.

Mangroves are vital ecosystems for our planet. By understanding the diversity of mangrove species and their distribution, we can take more effective measures to protect and conserve these valuable ecosystems.