AFROTROPICAL
Mangroves

The mangroves along the coasts of Africa....

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

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

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The invertebrates 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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