Mangrove forests or Mangals to be correct are one of Earths most important ecosystems. Not only do they provide shelter, food and a living for a lot of animals (including humans) but they act as tidal barriers for our coasts. They help to protect the coasts and everything living on them. Not only do they protect our coasts but they also help keep the coral reefs clean.
So what is a Mangrove?
A mangrove is a tree that roots and grows in sandy mud and salt water. It is one of the only trees that grows in water let alone salt water.
Jake- how does it grow in salt water? I thought roots need soil?
Mangroves have special roots which on some grow higher on the tree so the water stays below them so they can breathe. Others have long roots which poke out of the mud and through the water. They have special leaves that help them to get rid of salts. Just like us Mangroves cannot have too much salt otherwise it would kill them.
Save the Mangroves!
Mangroves are under threat mainly from humans. Mangals are normally found next to coastal villages and towns. There wood is used for building, selling and fire; they are also used for food and medicine. This is not a problem on a small scale but when people start taking too much it becomes a problem. Mangals are being cleared to make commercial salt production and fish and rice farms. The problem with this is that the farmers cut down the trees and grow there crops and leave the dead wood. When the land is no longer good for growing the farmers leave and the mangroves will not grow there again because of the dead wood and lack of minerals.
Mangrove woodlands just like their on land tree cousins make a relationship with the surrounding plants, insects and ecosystems. Just like the trees that live on land woodland who grow with the fungi and soil, Mangroves work alongside Sea grass beds and Coral Reefs making some fascinating biodiversity hotspots.
How do they help the Coral reefs?
If the Mangroves were not guarding the coast and trapping its sediment the mud would float out to sea. The problem with this is that Coral reefs can only survive in very clean water so if this sediment is not trapped by the mangrove roots it would block the coral and stop it from breathing.
Mangroves grow roots that tightly knit together to form a barrier. Lots of creatures live in and around this root system. Alligators and fish use this space to raise their babies as it is safe and there is shelter and food. Their roots grow so tight that when the tsunami hit the Asian coast in December 2004 one man stayed alive by holding onto the roots until the storm had stopped. Some think one of the reasons that the tsunami done so much damage was the cutting down of the mangroves.
Just like the tree of the land forests the Mangals are being cut down in their millions. If they continue the storms will hit the coastlines worse, the coral reefs will die and thousands of species will need to find new homes.
Jake- how does it grow in salt water? I thought roots need soil?
and around this root system. Alligators and fish use this space to raise their babies as it is safe and there is shelter and food.
