Mangroves

Question 1

What are mangroves?

Answer 1

Mangroves are shrubs or small trees. They are found along the coasts of Tropical regions between 25°N and 25°S of the Equator. They grow in loose, wet soils such as swampy areas with brackish (slightly salty) and salt water. They become flooded from time to time at high tide.

Question 2

What are the four types of mangroves found in the Caribbean?

Answer 2

1) Red mangroves

2) White mangroves

3) Black mangroves

4) Buttonwood mangroves

Question 3

How can you identify red mangroves?

Answer 3

These can be identified by their barks which are reddish in color. They live in water along the shoreline. They have thick supporting prop roots that arch out from the trunks. Their branches produce additional roots that give the tree the appearance that it is walking on water. Their leaves are large, round and leathery. Their flowers are yellow-cream with four pointed petals and torpedo-like fruits.

Question 4

How can you identify white mangroves?

Answer 4

These live in brackish water. They have thick knobby, breathing roots, their leaves are round sometimes with pinkish stems. Their flowers are very small and white. Their fruit is green and ribbed and grows in clusters.

Question 5

How can you identify black mangroves?

Answer 5

These live in shallow salty water. They have thin, breathing roots which stick out above the water. Their bark is dark in color, their leaves are long and thin with salty crystals at the back. Their flowers are white. Their fruits are one inch long and flattened.

Question 6

How can you identify buttonwood mangroves?

Answer 6

These are found in drier conditions near the sea on rocks and beaches and not usually in water. Their leaves are long and thin. Their flowers are very small and grow in clusters. Their fruits also grow in clusters and have round heads. They have no prop or breathing roots.

Question 7

Why are mangroves important to coastal environments?

Answer 7

1. They serve as barriers in that they reduce the action of winds and waves in shallow
   shoreline areas during storms or hurricanes.
2. They provide a habitat and nursery grounds for a wide variety of marine life such as crabs, shrimp, oysters and fish as well as animals
3. They provide food for marine life e.g. when the leaves fall into the water they decay as a result of bacteria and fungus.
4. They help to build up the land and prevent erosion (wearing away of the land).

Question 8

What are some causes for the deforestation of mangroves in the Caribbean?

Answer 8

Mangroves have been cut down for a number of reasons.
1. To provide charcoal and timber for many coastal communities.
2. To grow crops for agriculture.
3. To provide space for the construction of hotels, ports, docks etc.

Question 9

What are some effects of the removal of mangroves?

Answer 9

The removal of mangroves results in
1. A decrease in the various species of plants, fish and animals that depend on mangroves for shelter.
2. A decrease in the amount of wood available.
3. A reduction in the growth of sea grasses and coral reefs.
4. An increase in coastal erosion.

Question 10

What are some similar characteristics between mangroves and coral reefs?

Answer 10

1. Both grow in shallow sea water.
2. Both provide habitats for fish and other forms of marine life.
3. Both prevent beach erosion.
4. Both protect the coastline.
5. Both are destroyed by the activities of man.

Question 11

Where in Barbados can mangroves be found?

Answer 11

Graeme Hall Swamp and Chancery Lane in Christ Church.