AFROTROPICAL
Mangroves

The continent of Africa has two distinct communities of mangroves: those on the west (Atlantic) coast, and those on the east (Indo-Pacific) coast. The mangroves along the east coast of Africa are much the same species that are found right across the tropical Indo-Pacific. However, there are different species on the west coast, the Atlantic species being separated by the cold currents that wrap around southern Africa. In fact, there are no species of mangrove that naturally occur on both sides. So far, I have only had the chance to explore the mangroves of the east coast...

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The most obvious species of mangrove on the east coast is distinguished by it's long arched leg roots, the 'Stilt Mangrove' Rhizophora mucronata, as in the images above and below.

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Mangroves have evolved from many different families, but the Rhizophoraceae contains the most 'mangrove' species. As well as the Rhizophora in the images above, in Africa the family also includes the Ceriops 'Yellow Mangroves' and the Bruguiera 'Orange Mangroves' (image below).

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The invertebrates on the east coast are mostly related to similar species found across the tropical Indo-Pacific. Below is the Mangrove/Marsh Crab Parasesarma samawati. 

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The Heron family includes many species that are obvious in African (and overseas) mangroves. One of the more common herons stepping gently around the interiors of mangroves on the east coast is the ‘Dimorphic Egret’ Egretta dimorpha, while on the west coast can be found the similar (and once considered the same species), ‘Western Reef Egret’ Egretta gularis.

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And as with the Australasian and Indo-Malayan mangrove forests, Kingfishers tend to be one of the more striking groups of birds.

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Since people often live along coasts, there is much interaction between humans and mangrove forest; from simply collecting food in the mud, to complete clearing  of the habitat.

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