MangroveEcology.pptVIP

Mangrove Ecology with a case study from Ecuador Mangrove or “Mangal” Definition Tropical hardwood trees adapted to grow in marine intertidal environments Develop only on shorelines protected from wave action (estuaries, bays, lagoons) Common throughout the tropical regions of the world Typically flooded once or twice per day Distribution of Mangroves Generally occur between 30 degrees N.L. and 30 degrees S.L. Generally follow the 24 degree C. (75 degrees F.) isotherm of sea surface temperature Tolerate little or no frost Uncommon along arid coasts Mangrove or “Mangal” Characteristics Low diversity of plant and animal species Canopy high and monotonous Soils waterlogged and anaerobic Substrate variable (muds, sand, rock, organic) Mangrove or “Mangal” Characteristics Mangrove species show characteristics of pioneer species in their reproductive biology r-selection properties in finding a habitat Mangrove species show characteristics of mature phase species in aspects of community structure and vegetative growth K-selection properties in maintaining habitat Mangrove Specializations Most species have some part of root system exposed to atmosphere Leaves large, thick, leathery and evergreen Many are capable of excreting salts from leaves Most cannot be propagated vegetatively Most have no growth rings All mangroves distributed by water and propagules float Mangrove Characteristics Fauna highly variable; not characteristic insects common birds--few mud skippers, crabs, oysters, snails crocodiles, snakes (few poisonous) tiger (Ganges River mangal is refuge) deer, raccoon, bats (bats are visitors) Mangrove Characteristics Once the mangrove becomes established: little structure to the community succession not documented no understory no stratification species distributed by edaphic factors (soil type, soil salinity) Utilization and Exploitation of Mangroves Forestry boat building an fish traps poles firewood (charcoal) tannins and dyes chip and sell as cellulose b