Mangroves are various large and extensive types of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics.
This type of tree can be found on the shores of the lagoons of Kalpitiya and it has adapted very well to survive to this of environment, tolerating broad ranges of salinity, temperature, and moisture, as well as a number of other key environmental factors as low oxygen, strong winds, and high light intensity.
Accoring to the World Conservation Union, the mangrove ecosystems play a key role by being a connecting link between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This ecosystems play a significant role in replenishing various fish population for the coastal and lagoon fish industry. The nutrients given to the lagoon as detritus from the mangrove ecosystem is carried in to the coastal waters by the tidal currents and they become food for marine microorganisms, which is the first step of the marine food chain. Also, mangroves are a unique ecological niche for many species of fauna as birds, reptiles and mammals. Ultimately, the mangroves are instrumental in supporting the livelihoods of the local coastal communities.
Mangrove is one of the plant species that have best adapted to their environment. However, today the mangrove ecosystem is facing serious threats from development pressure and human settlements expansions. A significant amount of mangrove areas have been reclaimed for tourism expansion and agriculture purposes and there is a national need to conserve these sensitive ecosystems. National effort is required to increase the public awareness to conserve the mangrove habitat, and its unique biodiversity. All together can fight to preserve these wonderful and unique specimens!!
Mangroves are various large and extensive types of trees up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and subtropics.
This type of tree can be found on the shores of the lagoons of Kalpitiya and it has adapted very well to survive to this of environment, tolerating broad ranges of salinity, temperature, and moisture, as well as a number of other key environmental factors as low oxygen, strong winds, and high light intensity.
Accoring to the World Conservation Union, the mangrove ecosystems play a key role by being a connecting link between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This ecosystems play a significant role in replenishing various fish population for the coastal and lagoon fish industry. The nutrients given to the lagoon as detritus from the mangrove ecosystem is carried in to the coastal waters by the tidal currents and they become food for marine microorganisms, which is the first step of the marine food chain. Also, mangroves are a unique ecological niche for many species of fauna as birds, reptiles and mammals. Ultimately, the mangroves are instrumental in supporting the livelihoods of the local coastal communities.
Mangrove is one of the plant species that have best adapted to their environment. However, today the mangrove ecosystem is facing serious threats from development pressure and human settlements expansions. A significant amount of mangrove areas have been reclaimed for tourism expansion and agriculture purposes and there is a national need to conserve these sensitive ecosystems. National effort is required to increase the public awareness to conserve the mangrove habitat, and its unique biodiversity. All together can fight to preserve these wonderful and unique specimens!!
