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) Droppers
(胚軸) 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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