The Florida mangrove ecological community includes four tree species collectively called mangroves: red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus L.). Scientifically, they are only distantly related but they share special adaptations that allow them to flourish in an environment of salt and tidal floods, where no other trees can survive.
Mangrove forests are found in tropical and subtropical tidelands throughout the world. In Florida, mangroves occur in coastal areas from St. Augustine on the Atlantic southward, and up the Gulf Coast to Cedar Key (Figure?). Killing frosts keep mangroves from growing any farther north and the salt marshes of northern Florida transition to mangrove forests as you travel further south into milder climates. Extensive mangrove forests are found at the southern tip of Florida, including Ten Thousand Islands (150,000 acres), one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world (Figure?). Freeze-stunted black mangroves are also found in Louisiana and Texas. The red mangrove was imported from Florida to Hawaii in 1902 where it’s now considered a pest.
Mangroves play an especially important role as a marine nursery. Photosynthesis in mangrove leaves supports a complex food web that feeds young fish and shellfish, and their roots provide habitat and stabilize rich bottom sediments. Young shrimp, lobster, snook and some snapper must be protected and fed in the mangroves on their journey to adulthood. In all, over 200 species of fish use the mangroves. The abundance of mangrove marine life helps to attract many other animals including over 200 species of birds, 21 species of reptiles, and 18 species of mammals.
Mangroves stabilize the land by trapping and holding sediment. Wide buffers of mangroves can protect the shoreline from waves and reduce flooding damage from storm surges. They are critical in heavily populated, low-lying areas subject to hurricanes and typhoons. Removing the shield of mangroves in Bangladesh may have cost thousands of lives when typhoon storm surges rushed ashore unimpeded in 1970.
In the past, mangroves have been destroyed by development, alteration of water levels, and pollution. However, the links between mangroves, shore protection, seafood and tourism are now appreciated. The Florida legislature recognizes the ecological and economic value of mangroves and has passed laws to protect them.
Environmental factors and adaptations
