Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal intertidal zone.Mangroves provide essential habitat for thousands of species. One of the biggest misunderstandings of mangroves is that they are perceived as dirty while in fact they are amazingly beneficial to the nature and animals.
Mangroves are important to our healthy ecosystem. Communities along the coast depend on mangroves for coastal protection, food, and income. The reason we have to care for them is because they are in great danger. Here are 7 facts about these extraordinarily rare and gorgeous trees, as well as why we must protect and maintain them.
Mangroves can extract up to 5 times more carbon than forests on land. Restoring and protecting mangroves can help combat climate change through carbon sequestration.
Mangroves are crucial for the survival of more than 1,500 species. Restoring and protecting mangroves help brings back habitats for our fellow animal friends.
The trunks of mangroves can absorb the impacts of waves which means they are incredible front line of defense that helps protect higher ground.
Mangroves Can Help Mitigate Coral Bleaching. Healthy mangrove forests have the capability of providing shelter for coral species at risk from coral bleaching.
Mangroves cannot be replanted once deforested. Deforestation of mangroves would lead to land erosion and degradation, and in its absence, coastlines would be reshaped by incoming tides and currents.
Mangroves are Found in Salty Water. Most of these trees live and thrive on muddy soil and can filter out as much as 90% of all the salt in seawater when it enters their roots.
Indonesia Boasts the Largest Ecosystem of Mangroves in the World, mangrove trees in Indonesia cover more than 23,000 square km and are estimated to account for 23% of the world’s total.
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