Mangrove Swamps

[firemama]

Does anyone know two environmental problems that affect animals living in mangroves and ways in which they overcome these problems?

So far I have researched that one problem is erosion but I don't know how the animals in the mangroves overcome it.

I am also trying to stay away from problems that are caused by man.

[alextemplet]

I think low oxygen in the water is another one, which many acquatic animals overcome by evolving the ability to breathe air. As for erosion, not sure how they deal with that one; maybe evolve for a more marine environment?

[LittleBeaver]

You might want to research changes in salinity, acid production from decomposition, and high sulfur content of the soil that mangroves grow in. One of the bigger problems with Mangrove populations these days is their own depletion...mangroves are highly important in providing a protective habitat to other species living in them as well as serving as a filter to reduce pollutants.

[dawntomorn]

It's really sad that there are already changes on Mangrove environments. I hope more information is spread out to educate people about this.

[Nina666]

i believe all climatic changes are influential regardless of their typology. And its true, mangrove environment deserve better destiny.

[marknitro]

Another reason for the depletion of these ecosystems is shrimp farming, although it's more human caused than anything. In regards to the survival of the mangroves. Water and nutrient input from the mainland is also important for the survival of this tree species since the saltwater doesn't carry all of the essential nutrients for survival. The longer the mangrove population can flourish the better chance the animals who thrive in this ecosystem can live and reproduce.

Hope this helps,

Mark C Johnson

[janet121]

Mangrove
- found at estuary (which means it receives inputs from regular tidal flushing and from fresh streams, rivers) --> High salinity
- Water logged soil --> Anaerobic conditions and Soft substratum

Adaptions of animals
- Against anaerobic conditions, some insects may have specialized breathing structures to take in oxygen from air
- Against soft substratum, most animals stay in the burrows of the shore or attached to trunk surface of mangrove plants so that they will have a stable substratum. Eg. rock oysters, hermit crabs

Adaptions of plants
- Against anaerobic conditions (water-logged soil), they have aerial roots (pneumatophores) that grow out of the soil from the cable roots for gas exchange with air
- Against soft substratum, they have prop roots and buttress roots to give better support on the soft mud and give addition surface to get oxygen from air for the roots
- Against high salinity, they have salt glands on their leaves to maintain water potential and they have a waxy cuticle to prevent water loss

[danactsalot]

Rising sea level (or sinking land level, as is the case in much of Louisiana) is a problem for mangroves. As one example, areal roots need to be out of the water to provide oxygen to the plant. Coastal development often prevents mangroves from moving landward as sea level rises.

For more: http://www.coastalwiki.org/coastalwiki/ ... _Mangroves