Mangroves and coral reefs

Dharmesh Patel

What are Mangroves?“Mangue” – tropical evergreen tree“Grove” - copseWoody trees or shrubs found at the sea/land interface

in tropical estuaries.3 types:- 1)Riverine; 2)Tide-dominated; 3)Basin Mangroves

Mangrove SwampsIf there are no mangrove forests, then the sea will have

no meaning. It is like having a tree with no roots, for the mangroves are the roots of the sea."

Mangroves wetlandsMostly dicots—Myrtales

and Rhizophorales (representing about 50% of the species)Families: Avicenniaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Combretaceae, Sonneratiaceae.Palmae- One monocot Nypa fruticans

New World mangroves

Red = Rhizophora mangle (Rhizophoraceae)Black = Avicinia germinans (Rhizophoraceae)White = Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae)

Mangroves structuresMangrove swamps are

found along tropical seacoasts on both sides of the equator

The term "mangrove" refers both to the many species of salt tolerant trees which may be found in a mangrove swamp, and to the actual area in which these salt tolerant trees are dominant.

Function of MangrovesMangrove root systems provide a filtering system for

run-off from the guts of our islands, allowing the sediments to be removed before entering open water. This sediment would otherwise cover and kill coral reef colonies.

Protect land from soil erosionPollution controlFlood controlProvide foodNursery areas

Value of MangrovesFlood controlNursery for many species of marine lifePharmaceuticalEconomic

Mangroves are a rich source of timber which can be harvested on a sustainable basis.

Some mangrove animals, like the proboscis monkeys of Borneo with their unusual noses, are tourist attractions and thus generate income.

Mangrove importanceFisheries:Timber and plant products:Coastal protection: Tourism:

Mangrove importanceFood Edible fruits and honey from flowers of some species.

River mangrove—source of best honey.Medicines Treatment of skin disorders and sores including

leprosy. Headaches, rheumatism, snakebites, boils, ulcers, diarrhea, and many more conditions are traditionally treated with mangrove plants.

Hard wood Used for boat building and cabinet timber.

Mangrove importanceHabitats, nurseries, and nesting sites.Root systems –harbor many organisms that trap and

cycle nutrients and other chemicals.Contribute to higher water quality.Protect shorelines from erosion

Coral reefsOne of the most biological diverse and productive

ecosystemFound in warm, clear and shallow tropical oceansOn CaCO3 substrate deposited by reef building corals

(50% of all Ca deposit in the sea) and other calcified organisms.

Provide shelters and food to fish

Types of reefs: fringe, barrier, atolls

Atolls “final stage of tropical island development” (Charles Darwin 1942, Structure and Development of Coral Reefs”)

Why is diversity so high in coral reefs and rain forest? On nutrient poor waterHigh level of mutualism

and symbiosisHigh productivity and

high rates of nutrient cycling

Finely divided nichesControl by herbivores

and competitions?

Video on coral reefs.

We are responsible for what we do, don’t lets others suffer… Keep calm and save nature….