English Corner of Ecosystem Environment

Mangroves

Mangroves and the characteristics of their habitals

     Mangroves[紅樹林] are a group of plant species found in inter-tidal environment , influenced by regular tidal flushing and freshwater streams and rivers . The characteristics of their habitats include high temperature , fluctuating salinity , alternating aerobic and anaerobic conditions , periodic wet and dry environments , and an unstable and shifting substratum . As a result , mangrove plants have some specialized and distinct features that can withstand and adapt to these unique and complicated environment ( See box below ) .

Salt Glant (鹽腺)

      Salt glands are present in the leaves of so some mangroves species , which are used to concentrate and actively secrete the absorbed salts so as to regulate the salt concentration inside the mangroves .

Pneumatophores (出水通氣根)
      Pneumatophores are erect aerial roots arising from cable roots to facilitate gaseous exchange of the roots of same mangrove species under water-logged soil condition .The roots also contain aerenchyma tissue toallow rapid transportation of gas .

Droppers (胚軸)
      Droppers are germinated seeds that attach to the parent plant of mangroves after germination. This allows rapid growth and establishment of mangroves seedlings once they come into contact with the substratum .It increases the survival rate of the mangroves in the unstable stratum and the inter-tidal environment .

 Distribution of Mangroves in Hong Kong:  Mangroves are relatively scattered throughout Hong Kong territory because of the cold winter and a lack of muddy substrate . They are also limited by human activities such as reclamation project and coastal development . Recent survey shows that there are 44 mangrove stands still remaining in Hong Kong , covering an area of around 290 hectares . They are mostly found in the Sai Kung area and Deep Bay , with Mai Po having with the largest mangroves stands in Hong Kong .

Importance of Mangroves in Ecosystems:  Mangroves are an important component for healthy coastal ecosystems , as they provide nursery grounds and shelters for juvenile fishers , shrimps , crabs and other marine invertebrates , and their detritus also provide food for other living creatures associating with them . They are also a favourable habitat to many migratory and resident bird species and wildlife as a place to nest or rest . Moreover , they protect our shorelines and prevent them from erosion by waves , wind and storm .

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