The More You Know: Mangroves

These gravity-defying trees are home to both aquatic and land-dwelling animals!

Mangroves are identified by their thick, tangled roots that extend far above the surface of slow-moving bodies of water. It’s this clump of roots that stabilizes the sediment underneath and helps protect the coastline by preventing erosion due to wave action. Mangrove forests have even been credited with reducing the coastal destruction caused by tsunamis!

Mangrove trees have adapted to survive in stagnant, oxygen-poor salt water—an environment inhospitable to most plants and trees. They also have a remarkable ability to store atmospheric carbon dioxide, and greatly help in combating climate change.

Their intricate root systems provide a sheltered habitat for many species of fish, one of which is the banded archerfish. Famous for their ability to spit high-powered jet streams of water from their mouths, the tangled roots provide concealment from unsuspecting insect prey!

Mudskippers also call mangroves home. Strong lobe fins allow them to ‘walk’ on land and grab onto mangrove roots for shelter! Their unique ability to breathe through their skin and store water in their gill chambers provides the foundation for a more terrestrial life.

Aside from the species that reside in mangroves permanently, there are those just swimming by for a short period of time. Several species of sharks and rays are known to rely on mangroves as nurseries for their offspring.

Despite their resilience, mangroves have continued to disappear over the years. With over 35% of the world’s mangrove forests already gone and more expected to vanish in the future, many species may find themselves without their vitally important habitat. By spreading the word about the importance of these unique habitats, you can help strengthen the movement to protect them for generations to come!